Shape-control of nano-ZnO by changing the solvent

ZnO sub-micrometer sized disk using ethanol/water mixed solution as solvent is synthesized by solvent-thermal process without any additive, while ZnO nanorods are obtained when water is used as solvent. This formation of disk is discussed based on the reaction of Zn-terminated ZnO (0001) plane with ethanol molecule, which results in the passivation of ZnO (0001) planes and lowering the free surface energy of ZnO (0001).