CrystEngComm · 2012 · 13 citations · 36 references
Natural SciencesChemistryMaterials ScienceInorganic ChemistryNanomaterialsNanotechnologyInorganic NanoparticlesMetal Oxide NanomaterialsMetal OxidesNanomaterials SynthesisNanoparticle CharacterizationNanoparticle SynthesisGrowth MechanismsMetal NanoparticlesMetal Oxide Nanoparticle SynthesisMolecular PrecursorsNanoparticle FormationSmall-angle X-ray ScatteringZinc Oxide NanostructuresZinc Oxides
The growth mechanism of ZnO is investigated by a combination of electron microscopy and in situ small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The particles are prepared by the precipitation of zinc nitrate with urea. Depending on the reaction conditions, ZnO, hydrozincite, or a mixture of both phases is detected in our system. The molecular precursors and complexation reactions of the formation process are numerically predicted by the partial-charge model. The condensation and complexation reactions lead to the formation of nanoparticle building units up to a size of 10 nm. Afterwards, the nanoparticles immediately self-assemble into micro-sized particles.
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