Spinel-type ZnSb2O4 nanowires and nanobelts synthesized by an indirect thermal evaporation

Uniform zinc antimoniate (ZnSb2O4) nanowires and nanobelts with a spinel structure were synthesized by an indirect thermal evaporation method in air. The as-synthesized ZnSb2O4 nanowires and nanobelts are single crystalline, usually several tens of microns in length. The diameter of the nanowires is about 20 nm; the thickness and the width of the nanobelts are about 15 nm and 60 nm, respectively. Most of the nanowires and nanobelts grow along the [001] direction. A possible formation mechanism is also proposed to account for the growth of these ZnSb2O4 nanobelts and nanowires.