Large-scale synthesis of flower-like ZnO structures by a surfactant-free and low-temperature process

We have successfully synthesized self-organized radialized flower-like ZnO micron-crystals by employing Zn(NO3)(2)(.)6H(2)O, (NH3H2O)-H-. as the starting materials without surfactants, template supporting and structure-directing solvent at a low temperature (60 degrees C). Characterizations were carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and room temperature photoluminescence (PL) measurements. A possible growth mechanism, the influence of pH value on the formation of crystalline ZnO and the photoluminescence properties of flower-like ZnO are systematically discussed. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.