Synthesis of ZnO micro-flowers assisted by a plant-mediated strategy

BACKGROUND The synthesis and application of novel zinc micro/nanostructures are of increasing importance in modern nanotechnology. RESULTS This paper reports the large scale synthesis of zinc oxide micro-flowers (ZnOMFs) using precipitation assisted by Cinnamomum camphora leaf extract (C. camphora) at relatively low temperatures ≤ 80°C. The results showed that the ZnOMFs consisted of several nanoplates connecting together in the presence of the leaf extract which acted as a modifying, capping and stabilizing agent. X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), energy dispersed X-ray and photoluminescence studies were used to characterize and verify the nature of the ZnOMFs. Varying the leaf extract amount (5 to 20 mL) fine-tuned the morphology of the as-formed zinc oxide microstructures (ZnOMS). The as-formed ZnOMFs showed high photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methyl orange dye under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, achieving 100% degradation after 45 min of reaction. CONCLUSION The use of leaf extract as a bio-template and capping agent provided an effective, cheaper and more environmentally benign way of controlling and directing the shape of as-formed ZnO microstructure. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry