Low-temperature synthesis of nanocrystalline ZnO by thermal decomposition of a “green” single-source inorganic precursor in air

Pure hexagonal phase of ZnO nanocrystallites with the sizes of several nanometers were synthesized by low-temperature (180 °C) thermal decomposition in air of a “green” single-source inorganic precursor, ZnO2 nanocrystallites, which were derived from the hydrothermal reaction of Zn(Ac)2 and H2O2 in an alkaline aqueous solution (pH=10.0) at 100 °C for 12 h, and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis absorption spectrum, and room temperature photoluminescence (RTPL) spectrum. The use of ZnO2 nanocrystallites as the precursor to ZnO has some advantages: easy preparation, low decomposition temperature, no unwanted by-products and free of pollution to both the target products and the environment upon thermal decomposition (ZnO2=ZnO+12O2).