PEG-assisted synthesis of ZnO nanotubes

Aligned ZnO nanotubes were synthesized in the presence of Polyethylene Glycol (PEG 2000) by means of a simple two-step solution-phase procedure. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and photoluminescence (PL) spectrum were used to characterize the structure, morphology and optical property of the sample. The results showed that PEG played a significant role in the formation of ZnO nanotubes. The ZnO crystals were grown in hexagonal hollow tube form with a well faceted end and side surfaces. The diameter of each ZnO nanotubes has some variation from bottom to top. The room-temperature photoluminescence spectrum of the tubes revealed a strong and sharp UV emission band at 390 nm and a weak and broad green emission band at 530 nm. Possible growth mechanism of the ZnO nanotubes is briefly discussed.