Controlled synthesis of ZnO with adjustable morphologies from nanosheets to microspheres

The synthesis of ZnO with different morphologies (hexagonal prisms, nanosheets, microspheres and quasi-flowers) was realized through a solvothermal method. During the synthetic procedure, the decomposition of hexamethylenetetramine at the temperature ≥100 °C provided (OH)−1 ions at the rate of good distribution, and sodium dodecyl sulfate was used as templates. By adjusting the basicity in the synthetic system, ZnO nanosheets, or microspheres with nanosheet assemblies were obtained. Adjusting the concentration of surfactant, ZnO hexagonal crystals were formed; by adjusting the synthetic temperature, ZnO quasi-flowers with some nanosheet assemblies were produced. Based on experimental observation and analysis, the forming mechanism was discussed.