HMT assisted hydrothermal synthesis of various ZnO nanostructures: Structure, growth and gas sensor properties

ZnO nanocrystals with various morphologies are synthesized via a simple and facile HMT assisted hydrothermal process. Here, HMT is introduced as a structure directing and assembling agent to controllable synthesis of ZnO architectures and the concentration of HMT play a critical role in producing such different ZnO morphologies. We find that the sandglass-like ZnO exhibit excellent sensing performances to the target ethanol gas owing to its largest amount of Zn-terminated ZnO (0001) polar surfaces, which can easily adsorb more oxygen species on the surface and therefore improve the gas-sensing performances of ZnO. Such an unexpected morphology holds substantial promise for rendering ZnO as a potential gas-sensing material for future sensor applications.

Graphical AbstractWe synthesize rod-like, grenade-like, brush-like, and sandglass-like ZnO morphologies. The sandglass-like ZnO sensor exhibit excellent sensing performances to ethanol.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► ZnO nanostructures of rod-like, grenade-like, brush-like, and sandglass-like morphologies are successfully synthesized. ► HMT is introduced as an assembling and structure-directing agent to controllable synthesis of ZnO architectures. ► Unique sandglass-like ZnO exhibit excellent sensing performances to target ethanol. ► Such an unexpected morphology holds substantial promise for rendering ZnO as a potential gas-sensing material for future sensor applications.