Facile synthesis of monodisperse ZnO nanocrystals by direct liquid phase precipitation

Abstract

ZnO nanocrystals can be synthesized by a variety of methods. Among them, only a few nonhydrolytic methods have been successful at low synthesis temperatures in terms of size, crystallinity, morphology and surface-defect control. These methods require very careful control of conditions and carefully engineered precursors. A new methodology—direct liquid phase precipitation—is reported here that can produce nanocrystals (NCs) which are a little difficult to obtain for these complex synthesis techniques in a more facile and efficient way (i.e., at room temperature). This technique results in high quality ZnO nanocrystals of diameter 5–12 nm and different morphologies. Characterisation of ZnO products shows that both synthesis and ageing conditions have significant effects on the formation of the nanocrystals. Capping agents and ageing temperature/time can be used to control both size and crystallinity of the products. The use of in situ or ex situ ageing conditions can result in different particle morphologies. Both in situ and ex situ ageing shows that mild ageing conditions (e.g., 60– and 24–48 hours) are required to produce the highest quality nanomaterials.