Controllable synthesis of spindle-like ZnO nanostructures by a simple low-temperature aqueous solution route

Abstract: Spindle-like ZnO nanostructures were successfully synthesized through direct precipitation of zinc acetate aqueous solution at 60°C. Phase structure, morphology and microstructure of the products were investigated by X-ray diffraction, TG-DTA, FTIR and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Result showed that hexagonal wurtzite structure ZnO nanostructures with about 100nm in diameter and 100–200nm in length were obtained. HMTA acted as a soft template in the process and played an important role in the formation of spindle-like ZnO nanostructures. Meanwhile, different morphologies were also obtained by altering synthetic temperature, additional agents and the ratios of Zn2+/OH−. Possible mechanism for the variations of morphology with synthesis parameters was also discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]