Microwave-assisted preparation, characterization and properties of columnar hexagonal-shaped ZnO microcrystals

In the present work, we report the successful preparation of columnar hexagonal-shaped ZnO crystals in one step by a simple, rapid and reliable microwave irradiation route, using Zn(CH3COO)2, hexamethylenetetramine, acrylamide and 2,2′-azo-bis-iso-butyronitrile as the starting materials. The in situ produced polyacrylamide acted as the surfactant directing the growth of ZnO crystals. The photocatalytic activity and electrochemical properties of the as-obtained columnar hexagonal-shaped ZnO crystals were studied.