Chapter 8 - Organometallic single-source precursors to zinc oxide-based nanomaterials

Abstract

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a versatile and heavy metal-free semiconductor material of long-standing interest due to its unique catalytic and electro-optical characteristics. In this chapter, we describe our shared interest in the fabrication of pure phase as well as complex ZnO-based nanomaterials essentially derived from well-defined and rational-by-design organometallic single-source precursors (SSPs). Aiming to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the key concepts and developments, we started the survey from a brief introduction to the multifaceted chemistry of organozinc compounds. Then, we classified and shortly presented the main types of homo- and mixed-metal species that have been reported as predesigned SSPs for the synthesis of ZnO-based nanomaterials. We also discussed the advanced mechanistic insight to the transformation processes of SSP as well as the diversity of the resulting products. Finally, our view of current challenges and future directions in this interdisciplinary and fertile area of research is provided.