Oriented attachment in vapor: Formation of ZnO three-dimensional structures by intergrowth of ZnO microcrystals

A new setup and procedure were employed to fabricate three-dimensional (3D) complex structures of ZnO in the vapor phase following an oriented attachment mechanism developed from the solution process. Intergrowth of ZnO microcrystals has been realized through the consequent attachment of the facets of different well-defined ZnO microcrystals. Consequently, the ZnO microcrystals joined together by a specific rule, which led to a complex, 3D chain-like structure. The sufficient thermal energy in the system and the continual impacts among ZnO particles provided an environment in which the intergrowth could take place as facilely as in solutions. A strong near-bandgap emission at 382 nm indicates the excellent optical properties of oriented ZnO chains.