Solvothermal synthesis of nanorods of ZnO, N-doped ZnO and CdO

Abstract

ZnO nanorods with diameters in the 80-800 nm range are readily synthesized by the reaction of zinc acetate, ethanol and ethylenediamine under solvothermal conditions. The best products are obtained at 330 degrees C with a slow heating rate. Addition of the surfactant Triton®-X 100 gave nanorods of uniform (300 nm) diameter. By adding a small amount of liquid NH3 to the reaction mixture, N-doped ZnO nanorods, with distinct spectroscopic features are obtained. CdO nanorods of 80 nm diameter have been prepared under solvothermal conditions using a mixture of cadmium cupferronate, ethylenediamine and ethanol at 330 degrees C. Similarly, Zn1-xCdxO nanorods of a 70 nm diameter are obtained under solvothermal conditions starting with a mixture of zinc acetate, cadmium cupferronate, ethanol and ethylenediamine. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.