Growth of ZnO Crystals with Branched Spindles and Prismatic Whiskers from Zn3(OH)2V2O7·H2O Nanosheets by a Hydrothermal Route

Zinc oxide flowers composed of either branched spindles or prismatic whiskers with flat ends have been synthesized by hydrothermal treatment of Zn3(OH)2V2O7·H2O nanosheets in sodium hydroxide aqueous solution at 120 °C. The influence of basicity, temperature, and reaction time on the formation of such structures was investigated. The room-temperature photoluminescence spectrum of the ZnO branched structures shows strong green-yellow emission. The results indicated that the choice of a precursor with special shape could have significant influence on the growth of ZnO crystals. This precursor could be used for the synthesis of other zinc compounds with complex morphology and special nanostructures.