The synthesis and characterization of ZnO-tubular nanostructures

Using Zn nanowires as a self-sacrificed template, hierarchical tubes constructed by zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoflakes and ZnO nanotubes have been successfully fabricated by two different thermal-oxidation modes. The products were characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The experimental results show that the formation processes of ZnO nanostructures are sensitive to the growth temperature, which is lower or higher the melting point of Zn (419 degrees C). Our method provides an easy and convenient way to prepare metal oxides tubular nanostructures with different morphologies through self-sacrificed template method via adjusting the heat-treatment process.