Morphology transition of ZnO nanorod arrays synthesized by a two-step aqueous solution method

Abstract

ZnO nanorod arrays (ZNAs) with vertically-aligned orientation were obtained by a two-step aqueous solution method. The morphology of the ZnO nanorods was regulated by changing the precursor concentration and the growth time of each step. ZnO nanorods with distinct structures, including flat top, cone top, syringe shape, and nail shape, were obtained. Moreover, based on the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis, the possible growth mechanisms of different ZnO nanostructrues were proposed. The room-temperature PL spectra show that the syringe-shaped ZNAs with ultra-sharp tips have high crystalline quality. Our study provides a simple and repeatable method to regulate the morphology of the ZNAs.