In situ growth kinetics of ZnO nanobelts

For the first time, the growth of ZnO nanobelts was monitored in situ using x-ray diffraction. The growth was carried out by heating metallic zinc powder in air at temperatures ranging from 368 to 568 degrees C. The morphology depends on both the growth temperature and the rate of heating to that temperature. A morphology diagram for the synthesized products was generated after systematic study of the experimental parameters. Higher temperatures and faster heating rates favor one-dimensional growth. Faster growth was observed for samples with higher growth temperatures, lower heating rates, and one-dimensional growth. These results give insight into the mechanism for the growth of ZnO nanobelts by metal oxidation.