Shell/core structure zinc oxide/iron oxide: A new sunscreen material against blue light

The nanocomposite with ZnO wrapped on Fe2O3(ZnO/Fe2O3) was prepared by direct precipitation method using alpha-Fe2O3 as seed. The UV-vis absorbance and reflectance spectra show that ZnO/Fe2O3 has both ultraviolet and blue light protection benefits compared with ZnO, Fe2O3 nanoparticles and ZnO + Fe2O3 mixture. The ZnO/ Fe2O3 powder presents natural reddish hue, and its color is lighter than ZnO, Fe2O3 nanoparticles and ZnO + Fe2O3 mixture. The shell/core ZnO/Fe2O3 is suitable for use in sunscreen products. Moreover, the shell/core structure was proved by IR spectra, TEM image and EDS.

Automated summary

The ZnO/Fe2O3 nanocomposite prepared by direct precipitation method exhibits both UV and blue light protection advantages. The material is suitable for use in sunscreen products and has a natural reddish hue.