Synthesis and characterization of ZnO micro- and nano-cages

This paper reports the production of cage-like structures (OD 300–2000 nm) consisting of rod-like zinc oxide (ZnO) assemblies covered with graphitic layers. The material was produced by thermolyzing Zn powders in the presence of carbonaceous materials in an Ar atmosphere at 800 °C. The graphite layers act as a strong binder that merge the ZnO rods, thus stabilizing the cages. The materials were carefully analyzed using electron microscopy and allied techniques. It is envisaged that these structures could find applications in the fabrication of efficient sensors, metal oxide composites and adsorbent particles.