Three-dimensional six-fold symmetry ZnO sub-microstructures

作者：Feng Liwen; Liu Jun; She Juncong^*; Xu Ningsheng; Deng Shaozhi; Chen Jun

来源：Journal of Crystal Growth, 2009, 311(5): 1435-1440.

DOI：10.1016/j.jcrysgro.2008.11.096

• Crystal structure
• Growth models
• Low dimensional structures
• Growth from solution
• Oxides

Three-dimensional (3D) six-fold symmetry ZnO sub-microstructures were prepared by using a low temperature (80 degrees C) solution method. The 3D structure has unique configuration, i.e., a support core with six symmetric branches located on its middle. It was found that the structure can only be produced in a critical basicity condition, i.e., pH=11.8+/-0.2. The formation mechanism of the 3D structure involves the enhancing effect on the growth of ZnO [0 0 0 1] direction and the secondary nucleation process. The 3D sub-microstructure is likely to be candidate as building block for nano-electromechanical system (NEMS) and nanomachines, i.e., act as a gear.