Hydrothermal Growth of ZnO Hexagonal Nanocrystals: Effect of Growth Conditions

Hexagonal ZnO nanocrystals were synthesized through a hydrothermal route under mild conditions (growth temperature of 90 degrees C at atmospheric pressure). Pre-synthesized ZnO nanoparticles were used to serve as nucleation sites for the growth of the nanocrystals. The growth of ZnO nanorods was found to be surface independent. The dimensions of the hexagonal ZnO nanocrystals were observed to be dependent on the concentration of the reactants used (sources of Zn2+ and OH- ions), pH of the growth bath and also on the duration of crystal growth. The average diameter and height of the ZnO nanocrystals was found to be directly proportional to the concentration of the reactants as well as hydrolysis time. The orientation of the nanocrystals was found to be dependent upon the seeding method employed. Hexagonal single crystals of a wide range of dimensions and aspect ratios could be successfully synthesized through a control of growth parameters.