Template-free microwave-assisted growth of 3D hexagonal ZnO rods

Here, a rapid synthesis method for growing template-free three-dimensional hexagonal zinc oxide (ZnO) micro-rods (HZMR) using a pulsed-microwave (p-MW) irradiation technique is reported. The effects of microwave exposure time and power are shown to tune the morphology of hexagonal rods from solid to blind hole to hollow rods. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the growth of pure ZnO phase. Morphological investigations by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), optical properties by micro-Raman, Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS), Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) and Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy techniques were carried out. The PL studies reveal a dominant red emission along with characteristic blue and green emissions. The resulting structures have the scope of being applied as miniature sensors or in lasing applications. The blind-holed structures can be used as miniature crucibles/pots in reactions. This template-free growth of hexagonal rods is a very simple and economical technique that can result in solid, hollow or one-end blind hexagonal rods. The paper discusses the growth mechanism of these unique hierarchical HZMR.