Synthesis of porous ZnO in mixed solvents system

Three porous structures of ZnO were successfully synthesized in mixed solvents of ethylene glycol and distilled water. By adjusting ratios of ethylene glycol and distilled water, ZnO morphologies changed. Small porous plates with different sizes, folded porous plates with well-proportioned pores, heavily folded porous plates and solid flowers without pores emerged in sequence. The mechanism of the synthetic process was discussed. The morphologies and microstructures were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The phase composition was verified by X-ray diffraction (XRD). This synthetic route provides a new idea to prepare other new structure materials.