| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 238628 | Powder Technology | 2009 | 5 Pages |
The ZnO microrods and flower-like 3D superstructures have been synthesized via a template-free hydrothermal method. The prepared ZnO samples are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It is found that the flower-like 3D ZnO superstructures can be obtained simply by tuning the volume ratio of Zn(OH)24− precursor solution to water, or the volume ratio of ethylene glycol to water. When the volume ratio of Zn(OH)42− precursor solution to water is 1:7, the flower-like 3D ZnO superstructures are obtained, in which the diameter of an individual pencil-like rod is about 1.0 μm, and the tip size is several nanometers. While when the volume ratio of Zn(OH)42− precursor solution to ethylene glycol (EG) is 1:1, the flower-like 3D ZnO superstructure consists of hexagonal rods with about 500 nm in diameter. A plausible formation mechanism of flower-like 3D ZnO superstructures is discussed in detail.
Graphical abstractA controlled synthesis of flower- and rod-like ZnO nanostructures in a hydrothermal phase has been realized in the absence of an additional template. The products are characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). ZnO nanostructures with different morphologies are prepared just by adjusting the volume ratio of the precursor Zn(OH)24− to water, or the volume ratio of ethylene glycol (EG) to water. When the volume ratio of Zn(OH)42− precursor solution to water is 1:7, the flower-like ZnO structures with diameters of approximately 6 μm are obtained. In addition, when the volume ratio of Zn(OH)42− precursor solution to ethylene glycol (EG) is 1:1, the ZnO branched whiskers are formed. As no catalyst or template is introduced, this method is simple, controllable and extendible. In addition, further investigations have to be carried out to understand in more detail the formation mechanism of the present 3D ZnO nanostructures.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide
