Porous ZnO platelets via controlled thermal decomposition of zinc glycerolate

Zinc glycerolate, Zn(gly), is prepared via a polyol-mediated synthesis with platelet-like morphology. These platelets exhibit diameters of 10–15 μm and a thickness of 100–300 nm. Via controlled thermal decomposition at 500–600 °C as-prepared Zn(gly) can be reacted to ZnO with the platelet-like morphology maintained. The loss of the spacious (gly)-ligand is accompanied by a granulated sub-structure of the ZnO platelets that now exhibit lots of pores. By controlled thermal decomposition, moreover, the porosity of the granulated ZnO platelets can be adjusted with specific surfaces of 5–18 m2 g−1 and pore volumes of 25–230 mm3 g−1. Particle size, morphology and composition of Zn(gly) and ZnO are validated by electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and nitrogen sorption analysis.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Porous ZnO platelets. ► Adjusted porosity and pore volume. ► Decomposition of Zinc glycerolate platelets. ► Platelet-like morphology remaining. ► Use as catalyst support.