Synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanostructures

Nanostructures of zinc oxide are synthesized by physical vapor condensation method. From the SEM image, it is observed that these nano structures look like nanosprings mixed with nanorods. The typical diameter of these nanostructures is in the range of 80-150 nm and the length is of the order of several micrometers. The XRD data shows a sharp peak at 36.87deg which is very close to that of zinc oxide nanorods grown by oxidation in the presence of ambient gases i.e. oxygen mixed with argon. UV visible spectra of these nanostructures shows a peak at 371 nm and 373 nm. The broad peak at 373 nm is responsible for the conversion of zinc into zinc oxide.