Organic frameworks induce synthesis and growth mechanism of well-ordered dumbbell-shaped ZnO particles

Impacts of the reactants on the synthesis of ZnO particles in glycerol-based solvents

“…20 Stabilization of the particle facets in the early stages by capping agents or even non-covalent interacting molecules may favor sphereshaped particles, which is a more propitious thermodynamic state in terms of surface energy. 20,31,[47][48][49] Glycerol and urea have been used as structuring agents in sol-gel synthesis for mesoporous particles and salt solvation, 50 and urea is considered to interact strongly with the fresh ZnO crystal nuclei avoiding their growth towards larger particles. 51 These compounds have polar covalent bonds and a high ability to form Hbonds.…”