Synthesis and Characterization of ZnO Nanostructures by Polymeric Precursor Route

Zinc oxide nano- and submicrostructures have been synthesized controllably by polymeric precursor method (Pechini). In this approach, zinc acetate $Zn(CH_3COO^{-})_2 \cdot 2H_2O$, citric acid and ethylene glycol were used as the source of $Zn^{2+}$, the chelating agent and the connecting agent, respectively. The microstructure of the ZnO nano- and submicrostructures was characterized by X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy and the optical property was investigated by the room temperature photoluminescence spectra. The effect of ethylene glycol to citric acid mole ratio on the morphology and structure of the products was discussed.