Structure and emission transformations in ZnO nanosheets at thermal annealing

► Amorphous ZnO nanosheets have been prepared by etching of Zn foils. ► Amorphous ZnO nanosheets were converted into crystalline by annealing. ► SEM, XRD and Raman scattering are used for the analysis of ZnO crystallization. ► Transformation of PL bands has been studied at the ZnO crystallization. ► Optimization of etching regime permits to obtain bright “white” emission of ZnO.