Preparation of ZnO Nanorods and optical characterizations

Single crystalline ZnO nanorods have been prepared by hydrothermal method with synthesized ZnCl2·4Zn(OH)2 as precursors. Morphologies of the nanorods were controlled by various reaction conditions with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as modifying agent. The nanorods were characterized by techniques such as XRD, TEM, UV–Vis spectra, IR and PL spectra. Microstructure of holes in nanosize was observed on the surface of the nanorod. The UV–Vis spectra indicated that the as-prepared ZnO nanorods have absorption of visible light as well as ultraviolet light. Therefore, these nanorods may be good candidate for visible-light photocatalysis materials from the viewpoint of practical applications. The reason for visible-light absorption was discussed. The photoluminescence property of the nanorod was also investigated.