Synthesis of ZnO nanocrystals with cone, hexagonal cone, and rod shapes via non-hydrolytic ester elimination sol-gel reactions

ZnO nanocrystals with various shapes (see Figure) have been synthesized via non-hydrolytic ester elimination sol-gel reactions between zinc acetate and 1,12-dodecanediol. Uniform anisotropic cone-shaped, hexagonal cone-shaped, and rod-shaped ZnO nanocrystals have been synthesized using various surfactants.