Synthesis and properties of cuboid-shaped ZnO hierarchical structures

Cuboid-shaped ZnO hierarchical structures constructed with quasi-single-crystalline ZnO nanosheets were fabricated through a mixed surfactants mediated hydrothermal method. The products were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, and ED methods. Room temperature photoluminescence spectrum of the as-obtained ZnO hierarchitectures was recorded showing multiple peaks of visible emissions in blue-green region. The synergetic effect of citrate and surfactants SDBS and OP was believed to play a key role in controlling the construction features of ZnO nanosheets. The ZnO hierarchitectures showed effective photocatalytic activity for the decomposition of methyl orange.