Mild solution synthesis of plate-like and rod-like ZnO crystals

Micro-disks and micro-rods of ZnO were successfully synthesized by a mild solution process using zinc chloride as starting material. The morphology of the ZnO crystals changed substantially, depending on the concentrations of the Zn2+ ion and organic additives in the solution. A plate-like Zn5(OH)8Cl2·H2O precursor with a layered structure could be produced in solutions with high concentrations of chloride ions. The thermal stability, including phase composition and morphology, of the as-prepared Zn5(OH)8Cl2·H2O in air and water was investigated.