Sonochemical preparation of shape-selective ZnO nanostructures

A simple and facile sonochemical route has been demonstrated for the shape-selective preparation of highly crystalline ZnO nanostructures, such as nanorods, nanocups, nanodisks, nanoflowers, and nanospheres. The concentration of precursor chemicals, the kind of hydroxide anion-generating agents, the ultrasonication time, and the use of a capping agent are key factors in the morphological control of ZnO nanostructures. This method is fast, simple, convenient, economical, and environmentally benign. On the basis of our shape-control of the ZnO nanostructures by the sonochemical technique, growth mechanisms of ZnO nanostructures were also proposed. We believe this technique will be readily adopted in realizing other forms of various nanostructured materials.