Synthesis of ZnO nanowalls by an aqueous solution process

Abstract

Thru a solution process at relatively low temperatures (90-115°C), using aqueous zinc acetate solution as the precursor and liquid ammonia as both the complexing agent and the pH controller, zinc oxide nanowalls with thickness of 80-100 nm were successfully synthesized and deposited on glass substrates. The effects of processing conditions were studied and results showed that longer drying time increases the size of the ZnO nanostructures, drying temperature dictates its morphology, higher pH decreases the nanowall thickness, and higher growth precursor solution concentration lowers its density, i.e. the number of nanowalls per unit area of the substrate.