Solvothermal synthesis of ZnO spheres: Tuning the structure and morphology from nano- to micro-meter range and its impact on their photocatalytic activity

Nano- and micro-sized ZnO spheres were fabricated via a simple solvothermal synthesis using two different precursors, while diethanolamine was used to control the morphology. The applied solvent composition, precursor ratio treatment temperature mathematically correlated with diameter of spheres. crystallite size could be easily controlled by adjusting temperature, providing flexibility during synthesis. photocatalytic activity its dependence on unique morphology investigated decomposition phenol model pollutant. It revealed that surface proprieties more defining than secondary particle in this regard. A surprising synergic effect observed between exposed crystallographic planes (100) (002) upon activity, shows little influence. presented method enables flexible design photocatalysts spherical tunable range.