Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of single-crystal ZnO hexagonal pyramids by PEG400-assisted thermal decomposition route

Large-scale synthesis of ZnO hexagonal pyramids was achieved by a simple thermal decomposition route of precursor at 240 °C in the presence of PEG400. The precursor was obtained by room-temperature solid-state grinding reaction between Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O and Na2CO3. Crystal structure and morphology of the products were analyzed and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The results of further experiments show that PEG400 has an important role in the formation of ZnO hexagonal pyramids. Difference between the single and double hexagonal pyramid structure may come from the special thermal decomposition reaction. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of ZnO hexagonal pyramids exhibit strong near-band-edge emission at about 386 nm and weak green emission at about 550 nm. The Raman-active vibration at about 435 cm−1 suggests that the ZnO hexagonal pyramids have high crystallinity.