Synthesis and formation mechanism of Zn2SiO4 nanorods

Zinc silicate (Zn₂SiO₄) nanorods with diameters of 90-100 nm and lengths of up to 600-700 nm have been successfully prepared by a simple hydrothermal route without the assistance of any templates or surfactants. The characterisations of the products were carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy technology. On the basis of XRD and scanning electron microscopy analyses of the products at different reaction time periods, an Ostwald ripening mechanism is proposed to elucidate the formation mechanism of the nanorod structure. The electrochemical performance of the as-prepared Zn₂SiO₄ nanorods was investigated by a galvanostatic charge-discharge method. The results have shown that the Zn₂SiO₄ nanorods exhibited a higher discharge capacity and better cyclability than the Zn₂SiO₄ bulk materials.