Synthesis and Characterization of Brush-Like ZnO Nanorods using Albumen as Biotemplate

Crystalline ZnO nanorods with wurtzite-like structure and average diameter of 90 nm and length >= 1 mu m, was prepared by calcination (700 degrees C) of a Zn(II)/albumen hybrid obtained by solgel method, by the reaction of Zn(II) acetate and egg white (albumen), in aqueous solution. The material was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA), N-2 adsorption/desorption (BET method), FT-IR and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The surface area was determined to be 6.91 m(2) g(-1) by BET method. The TGA/DTA thermal events were consistent with the decomposition of albumen at 300 degrees C and final formation of ZnO at 578.5 degrees C. The results showed that albumen act as template playing essential role on defining the formation of ZnO nanorods with brush-like morphology.