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Engineering the shape of Zinc Oxide crystals via sonochemical or hydrothermal solution-based methods

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

Marco Palumbo,
Simon J. Henley,
Thierry Lutz,
Vlad Stolojan,
David Cox and
S. Ravi P. Silva
Marco Palumbo
Affiliation:
m.palumbo@surrey.ac.uk, University of Surrey, Advanced Technology Institute, ATI, Guildford, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
Simon J. Henley
Affiliation:
s.j.henley@surrey.ac.uk, University of Surrey, Advanced Technology Institute, Guildford, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
Thierry Lutz
Affiliation:
t.lutz@surrey.ac.uk, University of Surrey, Advanced Technology Institute, Guildford, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
Vlad Stolojan
Affiliation:
v.stolojan@surrey.ac.uk, University of Surrey, Advanced Technology Institute, Guildford, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
David Cox
Affiliation:
d.cox@surrey.ac.uk, University of Surrey, Advanced Technology Institute, Guildford, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
S. Ravi P. Silva
Affiliation:
s.silva@surrey.ac.uk, University of Surrey, Advanced Technology Institute, Guildford, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
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Abstract

Recent results in the use of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nano/submicron crystals in fields as diverse as sensors, UV lasers, solar cells, piezoelectric nanogenerators and light emitting devices have reinvigorated the interest of the scientific community in this material. To fully exploit the wide range of properties offered by ZnO, a good understanding of the crystal growth mechanism and related defects chemistry is necessary. However, a full picture of the interrelation between defects, processing and properties has not yet been completed, especially for the ZnO nanostructures that are now being synthesized. Furthermore, achieving good control in the shape of the crystal is also a very desirable feature based on the strong correlation there is between shape and properties in nanoscale materials. In this paper, the synthesis of ZnO nanostructures via two alternative aqueous solution methods - sonochemical and hydrothermal - will be presented, together with the influence that the addition of citric anions or variations in the concentration of the initial reactants have on the ZnO crystals shape. Foreseen applications might be in the field of sensors, transparent conductors and large area electronics possibly via ink-jet printing techniques or self-assembly methods.

Keywords

Znoxidenanostructure

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