Synthesis of needle- and flower-like ZnO microstructures by a simple aqueous solution route

Needle-like ZnO whiskers and flower-like ZnO microstructures composed of different building blocks were successfully prepared via a simple aqueous solution route at low temperature. To further understand the formation processes of these ZnO microparticles, concentration measurements of Zn(II) remaining in the solution as well as SEM and XRD analyses of the solid product have been made at regular intervals throughout the reactions. It is found that the solution basicity has determinative effects on the morphology of the obtained ZnO products by controlling the composition of the precursor and mediating the nucleation and crystal growth rate of ZnO.