Preparation of ZnO nanorods via aqueous solution process and their PL properties

Highly crystalline ZnO with hexagonal rod-like morphology was fabricated by a carboxylate-modified PS (polystyrene)-assisted hydrothermal process. The reactions could be carried out under mild conditions in an inexpensive and environmentally-friendly way, and was suitable for large scale production. The as-prepared ZnO nanorods, with lengths of 200–280 nm and diameters of 100–130 nm, possessed a single-crystal hexagonal structure and grew along the [001] direction. Furthermore, the results revealed that the carboxylate-modified PS played a vital role in the synthesis of rod-like structure ZnO. In addition, photoluminescence (PL) spectrum showed a strong UV emission peak of ZnO samples at room temperature.

► Highly crystalline ZnO with hexagonal rod-like morphology was fabricated by a carboxylate-modified PS (polystyrene)-assisted hydrothermal process.
► The reactions could be carried out under mild conditions in an inexpensive cheaper and environmentally-friendly way, and was suitable for large scale production.
► Carboxylate-modified PS played a vital role in the synthesis of rod-like structure ZnO.
► Photoluminescence (PL) spectrum showed a strong UV emission peak of ZnO samples at room temperature.