Two-dimensional zinc oxide nanostructure

Transparent two-dimensional ultralong and ultrabroad single crystal zinc oxide (ZnO) nanosheets were directly synthesized by a simple solid vapor deposition process under lead oxide (PbO) atmosphere. The nanosheets are well grown single crystals with thickness of about 50–70 nm, breadth of 50–100 μm and length of 4–6 mm. The growth mode of the ultrabroad nanosheets displays a unique aspect that (001) planes form the narrowest facets of the nanosheets, which is completely different from other belt-like nanostructures of ZnO. Control experiments show that PbO play an important role in the vapor–solid growth process of ZnO nanosheets.