Tailoring ZnO nanostructures by spray pyrolysis and thermal annealing

Tharsika, T. and Haseeb, A.S. Md. Abdul and Akbar, S.A. and Thanihaichelvan, M. (2015) Tailoring ZnO nanostructures by spray pyrolysis and thermal annealing. Ceramics International, 41 (3). pp. 5205-5211. ISSN 0272-8842, DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceramint.2014.12.062.

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Abstract

We report a novel synthesis of ZnO nanorods with hexagonal pyramid-like heads by a simple and low cost technique of spray pyrolysis with the help of zinc acetate and tin (IV) chloride pentahydrate precursors. In the present study, the growth of ZnO nanorods is optimized by varying a number of sprays and annealing temperatures in the synthesis process. FESEM analysis reveals that ZnO nanorods are observed when the number of sprays exceeds 150 and film-like structure is observed below 150 sprays. Nanorods are formed when the molar ratio of zinc acetate to tin (IV) chloride pentahydrate in the solution mixture is 3:1. The optimum annealed temperature for the growth of nanorods is determined to be 350 degrees C. The length and diameter of the vertically aligned nanorods are in the range of 1-3 mu m and 80 nm, respectively. XRD diffraction patterns and HRTEM analysis confirm that the ZnO nanorods are single crystals with a preferred growth direction of 0 0 0 1. The effect of various growth parameters including molar ratio of zinc acetate to tin (IV) chloride pentahydrate in the mixture, number of sprays and annealing temperatures on the growth of ZnO nanorods are systematically studied. A plausible growth mechanism for hexagonal pyramidal heads of ZnO nanorods is discussed. These ZnO nanorods with hexagonal pyramid tips have potential application in photovoltaic devices. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.

Item Type:	Article
Funders:	HIR grant from University of Malaya UMC.C/HIR/MOHE/ENG/26, UMRG grant from University of Malaya RP021-2012D
Additional Information:	B Cc2mz Times Cited:0 Cited References Count:44
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Nanorod; ZnO; Spray pyrolysis; Thermal annealing; Structural properties
Subjects:	T Technology > T Technology (General) T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
Divisions:	Faculty of Engineering
Depositing User:	Mr Jenal S
Date Deposited:	03 Sep 2015 04:14
Last Modified:	17 Oct 2018 00:44
URI:	http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/14039

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