Characterization of hydrothermally synthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles

Abstract

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a chemically and thermally stable n-type semiconducting material with extremely high sensitivity to combustible and reducing gases and has therefore been successfully used as a transducer in gas sensing, chemical and biological, photovoltaic, piezoelectric and fuel cell devices. To optimize ZnO conducting/semi-conducting properties for these applications, we seek to control the size distribution and morphology while fabricating the nanostructures. We have hydrothermally synthesized ZnO nanoparticles at low temperatures, varying the temperature between 40-90°C. A critical morphology change was observed at ca. 60°C. Control of the ratio of rod-like to nanoparticle-like shapes (30-70 nm diam.) along with mean diam., affecting sensing properties, can be achieved via temperature control during the ZnO synthesis.

Department(s)

Physics, Astronomy, and Materials Science

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

8-25-2011

Journal Title

ACS National Meeting Book of Abstracts

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