Controllable Morphology of ZnO Nanostructures via a Solvothermal Route

Abstract

Nano-sized ZnO crystals with catalytic, electrical, optoelectronic, and photochemical properties have been considered as an important candidate in both fundamental research and practical studies. However, controllable synthesis of ZnO in morphology and size with a simple method under mild conditions still represents a challenge. We proved that ZnO nanostructures, including particles and nanorods, could be fabricated by a solvothermal route. Precursors of Zn(Ac)2 and LiOH reacted in ethanol at temperatures lower than 150°C. Then zinc oxide nanocrystals with a hexagonal wurtzite structure were formed. These ZnO nanocrystals were single crystalline, as confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The size of ZnO nanoparticles was determined by reaction temperature. Prolong reaction time, ZnO nanorods were formed and they grew along the [0011 direction, whose aspect ratio was also changed with reaction time.