Synthesis of tetrapod-shaped ZnO whiskers and microrods in one crucible by thermal evaporation of Zn/C mixtures

Tetrapod-shaped ZnO whiskers and microrods were synthesized in one crucible by thermal evaporation of Zn/C mixtures at 930 °C in air without any catalyst. The digital camera, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction techniques were used to study the morphologies and crystal structures of these tetrapod-shaped ZnO microcrystals. The results show that these two types of ZnO tetrapods are grown at different heights within the same crucible. The legs of these tetrapod-shaped ZnO crystals are hexagonally faceted. Some tetrapod-shaped ZnO whiskers show hierarchical structures. A short button-like hexagonal ZnO microcrystal is observed at the triple junctions of some tetrapod-shaped ZnO whiskers. The tetrapod-shaped ZnO microrods are capped by two sets of hexagonal pyramids with two different groups of crystal planes for the surfaces. These two types of tetrapod-shaped ZnO microcrystals have different side faces and aspect ratio, which are believed to be the result of their different growth behaviors. The octa-twin model was used to discuss the different growth behaviors of these two types of ZnO tetrapods. The crystal planes of the legs and the pyramids were determined.