Rapid growth of thick particulate film of crystalline ZnO in an aqueous solution

Thick particulate films of crystalline ZnO were developed in an aqueous solution. ZnO crystallized in the solution of zinc nitrate hexahydrate and ethylenediamine at 60 °C. ZnO crystalline particles were then gradually deposited on a glass substrate to form thick particulate films. The thick films were constructed of multi-needle ZnO particles having an ultrafine surface relief structure, and thus had high specific surface area. The thick films can be applied to dye-sensitized solar cells supported by low-heat-resistant polymer films.