Morphology-controlled synthesis of nanostructured zinc hydroxide fluoride via a microwave-assisted ionic liquid route

• Nanostructured Zn(OH)F with multiform morphologies is synthesized by a microwave-assisted ionic liquid method.
• The effects of reactant concentration, volume ratio of water to ionic liquid, and microwave irradiation time are investigated.
• The morphology evolution of Zn(OH)F is mainly controlled by the concentration of zinc acetate solution.
• A possible mechanism underlying the formation of nanostructured Zn(OH)F with diverse morphologies is proposed.

Zinc hydroxide fluoride (Zn(OH)F) with multiform morphologies such as flower-like particles, pumpkin-like aggregates, and hollow orange-like aggregates are prepared by a microwave-assisted ionic liquid method. During synthesis, microwave irradiation accelerates the reaction rate and shortens the reaction time. 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([Bmim][BF4]) or 1-2-hydroxylethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C2OHmim][BF4]) is used as both reactant and template. Experimental results indicate that the morphology evolution of Zn(OH)F is mainly controlled by the concentration of zinc acetate solution. A possible mechanism underlying the formation of nanostructured Zn(OH)F with diverse morphologies is proposed. Furthermore, nanoporous ZnO is obtained by the thermal decomposition of as-prepared Zn(OH)F in air, and the morphology is well retained.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide