A research team from the U.S., Iran and Malaysia succeeded in the production of zinc oxide nanostructures by using zinc acetate as the initiator through a new, fast, and simple sonochemical method. They studied the size, formation, and crystallization of the produced zinc oxide nanostructures by using various tools.

The chemicals required for the synthesis of zinc oxide include zinc acetate salt, sodium hydroxide, and ammonia solution without the need to other structure controlling agents or surfactants. This is a simple and green method, because it does not require high temperature or highly toxic materials. The final structure of zinc oxide nanostructures can be controlled by adjusting ultrasonic energy through changing the time of ultrasonic waves.

The purpose of the study was to use sonar energy to provide the energy required for the formation of zinc oxide nanostructures. This method is faster and more cost-effective than the majority of the present methods for the production of zinc oxide nanostructures, especially nanorods. Therefore, this product can be produced by using sonar energy even if there is no access to furnace, autoclave, or oven.

In this study, flower-like nanorods with high length/diameter ratio were produced. Such nanorods can be used in nanoelectronics, while nanoflowers have applications in the production of solar cells.

Sonochemical synthesis of hierarchical ZnO nanostructures

Source: INIC