Growth of well-defined ZnO microparticles by hydroxide ion hydrolysis of zinc saltsElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: SEM images of initial precipitate and of particles formed by Method A. See http://www.rsc.org/suppdata/jm/b2/b211723c/

Zinc oxide colloids with controlled size, shape, and structure

“…If, for example, a strong base is added to a solution of zinc salt, the high concentration of hydroxyl ions at the contact point between the reactants favors the rapid formation of a white gelatinous zinc hydroxide, which through a 'sol-gel' transformation changes rapidly into crystalline Zn(OH) 2 , most often the orthorhombic wulfingite. The latter is rather stable and can be further dehydrated and converted into ZnO only as a result of a subsequent aging, which can be accelerated at elevated temperatures [34]. In contrast, as previously shown by Matijević and others [23,24], if stoichiometric amounts of zinc salt and base are added in parallel ('double-jet') and slowly into the vigorously mixed solvent, crystalline ZnO can be directly precipitated.…”

Microwave-assisted synthesis of narcis-like zinc oxide nanostructures

“…Searson et al [51,52] found that many ions in the reaction solution could be adsorbed on the surface of ZnO nuclei and had a great effect on its growth process. Wang and Muhammed [53] found that the ammonium ion could be adsorbed on the surface of the obtained crystals owing to the high surface energy associated with the nanophase materials.…”

Chemical kinetics and mass transport effects in solution-based selective-area growth of ZnO nanorods

“…Possible intermediate reaction steps include: forming ZnOH + (from reaction of Zn +2 with H 2 O, forming the by-product H + ); forming Zn(OH) 2 (from further reaction of ZnOH + with a second H 2 O, forming the by-product H + ), and then producing ZnO (from further elimination of the reaction by-product H 2 O); see, for example Refs. [14][15][16]. Such intermediate reaction steps may proceed within the bulk of the solution or at the surface of the growing ZnO (or both).…”