Octahedral multiple-twin model of tetrapod ZnO crystals

Abstract

Abstract The characteristic morphology of tetrapod-shaped ZnO particles grown by oxidizing zinc vapour in air has been thoroughly interpreted by a growth process from octahedral multiple-twin embryos. The origin of the tetrapod-shape arises from firstly the formation of octahedral multiple twins due to the small c/a ratio of wurtzite ZnO, secondly the presence of in version-type twin boundaries and thirdly a large growth anisotropy with respect to the crystal polarity.