ZnO nanopowders fabricated by dc thermal plasma synthesis

Ultrafine ZnO nanopowders were successfully synthesized by the dc thermal plasma process with a high production rate of 1.2 kg/h. The combination of plasma was found to affect the nanoparticles morphology. Both X-ray diffraction and Raman spectrum analysis confirmed a high quality wurtzite structure of the ZnO nanopowders. Photoluminescence study exhibited strong ultraviolet emission corresponding to the near band edge emission in the ZnO nanopowders. Random laser action observed in the ZnO nanostructures by optical pumping demonstrated high optical and crystal quality of the ZnO nanopowders fabricated by the dc thermal plasma synthesis.