Zinc oxide nanotetrapods

The carrier gas flow rate, a key parameter for controlling the morphology and size in the synthesis of nanomaterials by thermal evaporation-vapour phase transport-condensation processes, can significantly affect the shape and size of the products. Besides nanoscale ZnO dendrites and wires, a uniform tetrapod-shaped ZnO nanostructure has also been successfully synthesized by using a controlled carrier gas flow rate during synthesis. The ZnO nanotetrapod was formed via a vapour-solid process. The special structural character of the nanotetrapods may have interesting physical properties and potential applications in semiconductor electronic devices.