Long-chain polymer-assisted hydrothermal route to synthesize flowerlike ZnO nanostructures

Flowerlike ZnO nanostructures were prepared by a PEG2000 and urea-assisted hydrothermal process at 140 °C. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and photoluminescence spectrum. Results show that urea played a significant role in the formation of ZnO nanostructures. A preliminary explanation of the mechanism is proposed.