Synthesis of ZnO whiskers with different aspect ratios by a facile solution route

Abstract

AbstractMonodispersed zinc oxide (ZnO) whiskers with different aspect ratios were successfully prepared via a simple solution route at low temperature. It is found that the diameter and aspect ratio of ZnO whiskers depend critically on the structure and type of ionic surfactant added in the reaction solution. To further understand the effect of the surfactants on the formation process of ZnO whiskers, concentration measurements of Zn(II) remaining in the solution as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD) analyses of the solid product have been made at regular intervals throughout the reaction with and without the surfactants. A possible formation process has been reasonably suggested based on these systematic experimental results. It is believed that anion surfactants are capable of slowing down the nucleation and growth rate of ZnO crystallite, which is favorable for the anisotropic growth habit of ZnO crystal to form needle‐like whiskers. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)