Influence of sonication-dilution sequence on ZnO nanorod growth from aqueous precursors

Le résumé fourni par la source

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a wide-bandgap semiconductor that exhibits excellent optical, electrical, piezoelectric, and photocatalytic properties. Its one-dimensional nanostructures, particularly nanorods, are of great interest for applications in optoelectronics, sensors, solar cells and transparent electrodes. The performance of such devices strongly depends on nanorod morphology, which is highly sensitive to synthesis conditions. Although low-temperature, solution-based methods for ZnO nanorod fabrication are widely accessible, achieving reproducible control over their alignment, density and aspect ratio remains challenging. In particular, the impact of precursor suspension processing – especially the sequence of physicochemical steps such as sonication and dilution – has been largely overlooked, despite its critical role in determining dispersion quality and nanorod formation. This study addresses this gap by systematically investigating how the order of suspension processing steps affects the structural and functional characteristics of ZnO nanorods synthesized via an aqueous route. Two sequences – (i) dilution followed by sonication and (ii) sonication followed by dilution – were compared using rheological measurements, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy and contact angle analysis. The results showed that performing sonication before dilution significantly improved suspension homogeneity, reduced viscosity, and enhanced nanorod growth. Nanorod height increased with heating temperature, while diameter showed no consistent trend. Wettability and optical haze were also strongly influenced by synthesis conditions. By identifying a simple and effective way to control precursor dispersion, this work solves a practical problem in ZnO nanorod synthesis and provides a strategy for enhancing the reproducibility of morphology-dependent properties.

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