Structure-directing self-organized, one-dimensional ZnO single-crystal whiskers

One-dimensional (1D) ZnO tubular and epitaxial whiskers were synthesized in a structure-directing agent (CTAB) under hydrothermal growth conditions, respectively. FE-SEM, SEM, TEM and SAED observation reveals that the hexagonal open-ended ZnO tubular whiskers are with diameters of 4 μm and the length of up to 20 μm, and ZnO epitaxial whiskers with diameters of 4 μm and the length of 10 μm. The structure directing effect of CTAB, the pH value of the system and structure of wurtzite ZnO play important roles in the growth of ZnO single crystalline whiskers.