Template free synthesis of ZnO spindles and flowers via hydrothermal route

Abstract

Spindle and flower-like ZnO structures were prepared by a template free hydrothermal method in which reaction of aqueous solution of Zn(CH₃COO)₂.2H₂O and NaBH₄ proceeded with NaBH₄ as the reducing agent. The synthesis route had a good reproducible and high yield up to 99·2%. The morphology of ZnO structures could be tuned by changing the quality of NaBH₄ and the reaction temperature rather than using surfactants. Detailed structural observation showed that spindle ZnO structure was assembled by thin layer sheets. ZnO spindles self-assembled into flowers while increasing the quantity of NaBH₄. The prepared ZnO structures were characterised by powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Photoluminescence spectra of the prepared ZnO spindles and flowers measured at room temperature showed a blue emission.