Snowflake-like ZnO structures: Self-assembled growth and characterization

The novel 2D snowflake-like ZnO structures have been self-assembly synthesized on SiO2/Si substrate coated with Pt strips by thermal evaporation of Zn power. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy measurements showed that the snowflake-like ZnO possesses the perfect six-fold symmetric single-crystalline wurtzite structure. The room-temperature photoluminescence spectrum revealed a strong ultraviolet emission band at 382 nm. The possible growth process was also discussed. It was found that the deposition of thin layer of Pt strips is important for the formation of 2D snowflake-like ZnO structures.