Microwave synthesis and characterization of ZnO with various morphologies

ZnO micro- and nanostructures with a variety of morphologies have been synthesized using Zn(NO3)2·6H2O and pyridine by a microwave-assisted aqueous solution method at 90 °C for 10 min. The pyridine has a significant influence on the morphology of ZnO. Various morphologies of ZnO (hexagonal columns, linked hexagonal needles, hollow structures, and hexagonal nanorings) were obtained by adjusting the concentration of pyridine. The effect of the type of other alkaline additive (aniline and triethanolamine) on the morphology of ZnO was also investigated. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM).