Assembly-line flash synthesis of ZnO nanobelts on metal Zn

Abstract

In this study, ZnO nanobelts were successfully fabricated by flash synthesis without any expensive catalyst at a relatively low temperature (600[Formula: see text]C). The whole process took just [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]30 min. Introducing a solution tank containing a mixture of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Zn(AC)2, was an auxiliary process to elevate the quality of the products. The morphology of the ZnO nanobelts was systematically investigated by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy (FRSEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The products had an average width of 200[Formula: see text]nm and a length of more than 10[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the ZnO nanobelts had a typical wurtzite structure. Finally, the growth mechanism of the unique morphology of the ZnO nanobelts is discussed. An assembly-line production method is also proposed based on the results.