Influence of alkaline sources on the structural and morphological properties of hydrothermally derived zinc oxide powders

ZnO particles were synthesized via a mild hydrothermal method in the presence of different alkaline sources. The morphology and crystallinity of the obtained zinc oxide particles critically depend on the types of alkaline sources used. The alkaline sources also affect the crystal orientation of the formed ZnO particles. ZnO particles with various microstructures including agglomerated flower-like, sphere-like and prismatic rod-like morphologies can be easily obtained by using an appropriate alkaline source. Alkaline sources used in the hydrothermal process also affect the particle size of the obtained ZnO powders. In addition, the effects of mixing alkaline sources with different concentrations on the structural and morphological properties of ZnO powders were also elucidated. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V.