Renucleation and Sequential Growth of ZnO Complex Nano/Microstructure: From Nano/Microrod to Ball-Shaped Cluster

Abstract

Synthesis of complex ZnO architectures with well-controlled morphology and understanding of their growth mechanisms are desirable for both fundamental study of crystal growth and materials optimization for device applications. In the present study, a facile low temperature, chemical solution-based approach was used to prepare ZnO ball-shaped nano/microstructure. The morphological evolution of this unique ball-shaped cluster was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and in situ cathodoluminescence. It was found that the renucleation and sequential growth of nanorods occurred on the joint section of two primary one-dimensional ZnO nanorods, resulting in the formation of complex threedimensional ZnO hierarchical architectures through self-assembly. The formation mechanism behind was discussed briefly in consideration of the roles of inorganic additive Al(III) in the precursor solution and structural defects in the growth process. Findings of this research will help to develop a strategy that is capable of producing micro/nanostructures with desired geometric features and functional properties.

Number Density and Diameter Control of Chemical Bath Deposition of ZnO Nanorods on FTO by Forced Hydrolysis of Seed Crystals

“…20 μm) as shown in Fig. (c) are similar to the structures that were grown on sputtered seeds using Al 3+ as additive …”

Complex hierarchical arrangements of stacked nanoplates in Al‐doped ZnO

“…In Ref. 14 spherical nanorod clusters and other branched nanorod structures were observed only when Al was present in the solution. This was explained by the precipitation of small colloidal Al(OH) 3 particles on the top surfaces of ZnO nanorods, which change the surface energy state, favoring nucleation and subsequent growth along specific orientations.…”

“…6, although incorporated into the rods in a different way as the Al(OH) 3 precipitates of Ref. 14, appear to induce the growth of similar hierarchical structures.…”

“…3 are also related to the presence of dopant. This conclusion is based on the fact that such structures have not been observed in undoped ZnO and also on the formation of similar spherical nanorod arrays grown by a solvothermal method with an Al containing solution 14. In Ref.…”

Electronic Nose Based on Nanomaterials: Issues, Challenges, and Prospects

“…The basic nanoforms include nanoparticles, nanowires (NWs), nanotubes, and nanobelts [79]. Along with this different 3D heterostructures like nanomultipods, nanorings, nanohelixes, nanoflowers, and so forth are also being investigated in great detail [80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87]. Nanomaterials offer various advantages that includes (i) high surface area to volume ratio;…”