Controlled morphology of ZnO nanostructures by adjusting the zinc foil heating temperature in an air-filled box furnace

By heating zinc foil in an air-filled box furnace, one-dimensional ZnO nanorods, two-dimensional ZnO nanoplates and three-dimensional ZnO nanotetrapods were prepared by adjusting the temperature in the furnace in the ranges of 500–600, 650–750 and 800–900 °C, respectively. The morphologies, structures and emissions of the synthesized ZnO nanostructures were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Mechanisms on the control of the morphology and photoluminescence were discussed in terms of the crystal growth habits combined with the temperature-dependent diffusions of zinc and oxygen atoms in the ZnO lattices. - Highlights: • Controlled morphology and photoluminescence of the ZnO nanostructures were achieved. • ZnO nanorods, nanoplates, tetrapods were obtained at 500–600, 650–750, 800–900 °C. • The approach to prepare ZnO nanostructures is both toxics free and organics free. • Roles of temperature-dependent diffusions of Zn and O atoms in ZnO are discussed