Controlled synthesis of pentagonal gold nanotubes at room temperature

Large quantities of pentagonal gold nanotubes have been synthesized by reducing chloroauric acid with silver nanowires in an aqueous solution of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) at room temperature. These gold nanotubes possess perfect structures, smooth surfaces, highly crystalline walls, and similar cross-sections to that of the silver template. In this process, the CTAB participation was found to be crucial for shape-controlled synthesis of pentagonal gold nanotubes. In the absence of CTAB, loose and hollow gold structures were routinely generated, while bundled gold nanotubes with rough surfaces were obtained by replacing the CTAB with poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP). The possible formation mechanism of pentagonal gold nanotubes has also been discussed on the basis of various growth stages studied by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images. In addition, the catalytic properties of these hollow nanostructures for hydrogen generation reaction from HCHO solution have also been investigated. They showed higher activity than that of spherical gold nanoparticles.     

ZnO nanorods, nanotubes and nanorings: controlled synthesis and structural properties

Controlled synthesis of ZnO nanorods (ZNRDs), nanotubes (ZNTs) and nanorings (ZNRs) has been carried out by a two-step sonochemical/chemical process at room temperature without any catalyst, template or seed layer. The crystallinity, structure and morphology of ZNRDs, ZNRs and ZNTs were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron micrographs (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The as-prepared ZnO nanostructures were single crystalline with hexagonal cross-section and uniform size. The effect of precursor concentration on the growth and that of the etching duration on the hollow formation were analyzed, and the obtained results revealed that the precursor concentration and etching time play an important role in determining final morphologies of the samples. By tuning the etching time, the precise size control of ZNTs and ZNRs was achieved. Possible formation mechanisms of these nanostructures are proposed based on the experimental results.     

Growth and optical properties of ZnO low-dimensional nanostructures

Recent studies on the growth of ZnO nanostructures and their optical properties were reviewed. Using different methods, a variety of ZnO nanostructures, including quantum dots nanotowers, nanotubes, nanorods, nanowires, and nanosheets, displaying zero, one, and two dimensions, have been synthesized. The growth of ZnO low-dimensional nanostructures has been demonstrated. Their optical properties have been studied by means of room-temperature photoluminescence spectra, low-temperature photoluminescence spectra, temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectra, and pressure-dependent photoluminescence spectra. The optical properties can be adjusted by the surface features of ZnO low-dimensional nanostructures. The strong exciton emission has been observed in some nanostructures, showing promising potential in nanodevice applications.     

Ultrathin ZnO nanostructures synthesized by thermal oxidation of hexagonal Zn micro/nanostructures

Ultrathin (<5 nm) ZnO nanobelts, as well as porous nanotubes/nanosheets were successfully synthesized via a very simple process: thermal oxidation of hexagonal Zn micro/nanostructures in a tube furnace in 50 sccm N2 flow. The ZnO nanobelt clusters were largely grown from the (0001) end surface of the Zn nanoprisms at 300 degrees C. The porous nanotubes and nanosheets were formed on the downstream substrate by 370-400 degrees C thermal oxidation of Zn films in low pressure. These structures are related to the anisotropic oxidation of Zn and differences of melting point between Zn and ZnO. We propose that the ultrathin nanobelts were formed in a vapor-liquid-solid process while the ultrathin nanotubes and nanosheets were formed via a vapor-solid-resublimation process. The structure of the nanostructures was characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The ultrathin mesoporous nanotubes and nanosheets have been found to possess rich surface defects. These structures may have potential applications in gas sensors, catalysts and hydrogen storage due to their large specific surface area.     

A facile room temperature synthesis of ZnO nanoflower thin films grown at a solid–liquid interface

Hierarchical ZnO films consisting of nanoflower particulates are successfully grown by a solid–liquid interface reaction technique at room temperature without additives like surfactants, capping agent, or complexing agent. The structural, morphological, and photocatalytic properties of these films are studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The nucleation, growth processes and hence the resulting morphology of the end product can be regulated by changing the concentration of LiOH and the time of reaction. SEM throws light on the chronology of the flower formation by studying the intermediate morphology. Electron microscopy results indicated that these ZnO nanostructures self-assembled to produce flower-like nanostructures. The highest photocatalytic efficiency was observed for the films prepared at the concentration of LiOH 0.5 mg/mL in ethanol at 24 h. On the basis of the results, a plausible growth mechanism for the formation of flower-like ZnO nanostructures is discussed.     

N-doped ZnO nano-arrays: A facile synthesis route, characterization and photoluminescence

Field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigation reveals that array-orderly novel nanostructures, which are nanorods with many nanoparticles on the surfaces, have been synthesized at low temperature (162 °C) via a one-step in-situ process in solution. High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), coupled with X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) patterns and X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), reveal that the as-obtained products possess crystalline structure of N-doped ZnO. The room temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectrum has also been examined to explore the optical property. The present synthesis method possesses several advantages, which would be significant to be studied deeper in the future. It is also envisioned that this method could provide a new approach to synthesize ZnO:N and other ZnO-based adulterants at low temperature.     

The shape control of ZnO based nanostructures

Tetrapod-shape ZnO nanostructures are formed on Si substrates by vapor phase transportation method. The effects of two important growth parameters, growth temperature and VI/II ratio, are investigated. The growth temperature is varied in the range from 600 degrees C to 900 degrees C to control the vapor pressure of group II-element and the formation process of nanostructures. VI/II ratio was changed by adjusting the flux of carrier gas which affects indirectly the supplying rate of group VI-element. From the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), systematic variation of shape including cluster, rod, wire and tetrapod was observed. ZnO tetrapods, formed at 800 degrees C under the carrier gas flux of 0.5 cc/mm2 min, show considerably uniform shape with 100 nm thick and 1-1.5 microm long legs. Also stoichiometric composition (O/Zn - 1) was observed without any second phase structures. While, the decrease of growth temperature and the increase of carrier gas flux, results in the irregular shaped nanostructures with non-stoichiometric composition. The excellent luminescence properties, strong excitonic UV emission at 3.25 eV without deep level emission, indicate that the high crystalline quality tetrapod structures can be formed at the optimized growth conditions.     

Rapid growth of nanotubes and nanorods of würtzite ZnO through microwave-irradiation of a metalorganic complex of zinc and a surfactant in solution

Large quantities of single-crystalline ZnO nanorods and nanotubes have been prepared by the microwave irradiation of a metalorganic complex of zinc, in the presence of a surfactant. The method is simple, fast, and inexpensive (as it uses a domestic microwave oven), and yields pure nanostructures of the hexagonal würtzite phase of ZnO in min, and requires no conventional templating. The ZnO nanotubes formed have a hollow core with inner diameter varying from 140–160 nm and a wall of thickness, 40–50 nm. The length of nanorods and nanotubes varies in the narrow range of 500–600 nm. These nanostructures have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The ZnO nanorods and nanotubes are found by SAED to be single-crystalline. The growth process of ZnO nanorods and nanotubes has been investigated by varying the surfactant concentration and microwave irradiation time. Based on the various results obtained, a tentative and plausible mechanism for the formation of ZnO nanostructures is proposed.     

Self-assembly of ZnO nanosheets into nanoflowers at room temperature

A singularity flower-like ZnO nanostructure was prepared on a large scale through a very simple solution method at room temperature and under ambient pressure in a very short time. The flower-like ZnO nanostructures were self-assembled by thin and uniform nanosheets, with a thickness of around 5 nm. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) were used to characterize the structure and morphology. The possible growth mechanism was discussed based on the reaction process. The blue shift in the UV-vis spectra of the ZnO nanostructures was also observed.     

Growth of zinc oxide nanorods, tetrapods, and nanobelts without catalyst

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures with various morphologies have been synthesized without catalyst in a one-step simple redox process. The results show that ZnO nanorods, nanobelts, and tetrapods with hexagonal needled arms could be synthesized via thermal treatment of a mixture of zinc oxide and charcoal powder in a muffle furnace at 1000-1200 degrees C for 240 min. XRD analyses showed that polycrystalline ZnO phase with wurtzite crystal structure was formed. At a relatively low temperature, 1000 degrees C, the ZnO structure was found to be a bundle of denser nanorods. By increasing the reaction temperature to 1100 degrees C, tetrapod-like structures of needle-like arms with pyramidal tips were formed. With the increase of temperature up to 1200 degrees C, the morphology of ZnO nanostructures changed from nanorods and tetrapods to coalescence grains. Reaction temperature was found to be the most important experimental parameter that played an important role in controlling the mode, mechanism of growth, and formation of different ZnO morphologies.     

Effect of Zn2+ source concentration on hydrothermally grown ZnO nanorods

We studied the effect of Zn2+ source concentration on the structural and optical properties of hydrothermally grown ZnO nanorods. The nanorods were grown on ZnO/p-Si(111) substrate using by a hydrothermal process in various concentrations of reagent at a low temperature (approximately 95 degrees C) and the structural and optical characteristics of ZnO nanorods were subsequently investigated by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and room temperature photoluminescence. The results demonstrate that the morphology and crystallinity of ZnO nanorods are influenced by the overall concentration of the precursor. The density and diameter of ZnO nanorods with a hexagonal structure are especially sensitivite to concentration of reactants. Furthermore, the structural transition is shown by increasing concentration. At the lowest concentration of Zn2+, the ZnO nanorods grow as single crystals with a low density and variable orientations. On the contrary, at the highest concentration, the nanorods grow as polycrystas due to the supersaturated Zn2+ source.     

Dendritic and epitaxial growths of ZnO particle-rod and rod-rod nanostructures with quasi-one-dimensional and two-dimensional configurations

Quasi-one-dimensional and two-dimensional ZnO nanostructures have been fabricated through thermal evaporation approach. The microstructures of the ZnO nanostructures have been studied using scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution electron microscopy. Quasi-one-dimensional ZnO nanostructures are formed by dendritic growths of ZnO nanoparticles from the stem nanorods surfaces, forming particle-rod nanostructures. While epitaxial growths of branch nanorods from the stem nanorods configure two-dimensional ZnO nanostructures. The epitaxial growth orientation relationship can be described as [2? 110]_R1 || [2? 110]_R2 and (0001) _R1 || (011?0)_R2. The growth mechanism of the quasi-one-dimensional and two-dimensional ZnO nanostructures has been discussed.     

Conversion process of ZnO nano-/micro-rods into nano-/micro-tubes and cathodoluminescence characterization

A simple two-steps method has been successfully developed to synthesize ZnO nanotubes. The alkaline etching process was investigated in detail using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The formation of ZnO nanotube structures was due to the preferential dissolution of the defect-rich top (polar) faces. Cathodoluminescence (CL) was performed on both top and side surfaces of the ZnO tubes. Only the near-band-edge UV emission was observed, implying that the as-grown ZnO nanotubes have a very low concentration of defects. This CL result also provides evidence for explanation of ZnO tubular structure growth.     

Pyramidal nanostructures of zinc oxide

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures have been prepared by pulsed laser deposition of the oxide onto Si(100) substrate at 600 degrees C. An examination of the morphology using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy reveals well formed pyramidal structures consistent with the growth habit of ZnO. A domain matched epitaxy across the interface makes the ZnO pyramids orient along the axes of Si(100) surface. The pyramidal nanostructures signify an intermediate state in the growth of hexagonal nanorods of ZnO. The hardness of the nanostructures as well as their response to oxygen gas have been investigated using nanoindentation and conducting probe methods respectively. ZnO nanostructures are much harder than their bulk. The hardness of ZnO pyramids obtained by nanoindentation is 70 +/- 10 GPa which is about one order more that of bulk ZnO. Besides, the nanostructures exhibit high sensitivity towards oxygen. A 70% increase in the resistance of ZnO nanostructures is observed when exposed to oxygen atmosphere.     

Brush-shaped ZnO heteronanorods synthesized using thermal-assisted pulsed laser deposition

Brush-shaped ZnO heteronanostructures were synthesized using a newly designed thermal-assisted pulsed laser deposition (T-PLD) system that combines the advantages of pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and a hot furnace system. Branched ZnO nanostructures were successfully grown onto CVD-grown backbone nanowires by T-PLD. Although ZnO growth at 300 °C resulted in core-shell structures, brush-shaped hierarchical nanostructures were formed at 500-600 °C. Materials properties were studied via photoluminescence (PL), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterizations. The enhanced photocurrent of a SnO(2)-ZnO heterostructures device by irradiation with 365 nm wavelength ultraviolet (UV) light was also investigated by the current-voltage characteristics.     

Low-temperature growth of well-aligned ZnO nanorods/nanowires on flexible graphite sheet and their photoluminescence properties

We have grown large-scale well-aligned ZnO nanorods/nanowires on commercial flexible graphite sheet (FGS) at low temperature via chemical vapor deposition method. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The effects of the growth temperature and oxygen flow rate on the morphology of ZnO nanostructures have been investigated. The growth mechanism of ZnO is found to be a self-catalytic vapor–solid process assisted by the immiscibility of ZnO with graphite. The as-grown ZnO/FGS products show strong green emission and their photoluminescence properties can be tuned by changing growth condition or annealing treatment.     

Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of dentritic ZnO nanostructure in ionic liquid

A facile and environment-friendly sonochemical route to fabricate well-defined dentritic ZnO nanostructures in a room-temperature ionic liquid has been reported. The structure and morphology of the synthetic branch-shaped ZnO products were characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The photoluminescence (PL) spectrum of the synthetic dentritic ZnO nanostructures exhibits a strong ultraviolet emission at 378 nm and a weak green emission at 532 nm respectively at room temperature. A plausible formation mechanism of dentritic ZnO nanostructures was discussed in detail.     

ZnO四足和多足纳米结构的制备和光致发光性能研究

采用简单的热蒸发法,在没有使用载气和催化剂的情况下成功制备出ZnO四足和多足纳米结构。采用场发射扫描电镜、X射线衍射、高分辨透射电子显微镜和荧光分光光度计研究了ZnO纳米结构的形貌、结构和光致发光性能。结果表明所合成的ZnO是由具有六方纤锌矿结构的四足和多足纳米结构组成,足部呈棒状并沿[0001]方向生长。提出了四足和多足ZnO纳米结构的生长机制。在室温下的光致发光光谱中,494nm处出现一个较强的绿色发射峰,391nm处出现一个较弱的紫外发射峰。     

The influence of the reaction temperature on the morphology of sodium titanate 1D nanostructures and their thermal stability

We have synthesized large quantities of sodium-titanate-based nanotubes and nanoribbons with high yields under hydrothermal conditions from anatase powder in an aqueous NaOH solution. The reaction temperatures were from 95 to 195 degrees C, in steps of 20 degrees C. We observed that the morphology of the nanomaterials, which is reflected in their specific surface areas, depends strongly on the reaction temperature. For the materials synthesized in the range 95-135 degrees C and above 155 degrees C only a single morphology type was observed for the nanostructures, i.e., nanotubes and nanoribbons, respectively. In contrast, when the reaction was carried out at 155 degreesC, both nanotubes and nanoribbons were found in the product. SEM, TEM, and XRD techniques were used to determine the materials' morphological and structural properties, and the thermal stability of the materials was investigated with TGA and DSC. The largest weight loss, of approximately 25%, was observed in a temperature range from 25 up to 600 degrees C for the product obtained at 95 degrees C, probably due to the presence of unrolled titanate sheets.     

Controlled synthesis and field emission properties of ZnO nanostructures with different morphologies

By simply controlling atmosphere, rods, tetraleg-rods, and arrays of ZnO nanostructures have been fabricated respectively through pure zinc powder evaporation without catalyst at temperature of 650 - 700 degrees C. Investigations through HRTEM and XRD showed that the growth of the synthesized ZnO nanostructures was controlled by vapor-solid mechanism. Field emission measurements revealed that all of the structures, owing to their very low turn-on voltage, sufficient emission current and proper linearity of 1/V - Ln(l/V2), are likely to be potential candidates as a field emitter. The results also indicated that field emission properties are relative to morphology and size of the tips of ZnO nanostructures, and the nanorods with sharp tips possess the first-class FE property.