ZnO nanopowders by Microwave Assisted Hydrothermal Method

ZnO nanopowders were synthesized via microwave assisted hydrothermal method at different precursor solution molarities. For this, the aqueous solutions of zinc aceatate dihydrate and sodium hydroxide were prepared at different molarity as precursor materials. The synthesized ZnO nanopowders were further calcined in air at 500oC for 2 h. The effects of different precursor solution molarity on the crystalline structure of the ZnO nanopowders were investigated by X-ray diffraction study. Field emission scanning electron microscope was used to analyze the surface morphology of the ZnO nanopowders. As the NaOH solution molarity increases, the rod-like structure of ZnO begins to be seen. The optical band gap values of the ZnO nanopowders were also determined by reflectance measurements.