Template-free self-assembly of hierarchical ZnO structures from nanoscale building blocks

We study chemical bath deposition method for synthesizing large variety constructions of ZnO nanostructures. By varying reaction kinetics we control the shape, size and morphology to yield flower-like, rolling-pin-like, viscous-fingers-like and antenna-like structures. In solution-based methods, factors responsible for crystal growth are largely affected by slight changes in the reaction processes/conditions and cause different hierarchical architectures when very low concentrations of precursor material used. The ability to grow different morphologies just by controlling solution growth parameters may open up new avenues to solution growth and provide systems to study natural growth behavior of materials as well as their novel applications. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.