Growth and characterization of ZnO nanorods by microwave-assisted route: green chemistry approach

ZnO nanorods with diameter 90-100 nm range (tip diameter~15 nm) and length of about 2 μm have been prepared using microwave irradiation technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results indicate that the nanorods have single phase nature with wurtzite structure and preferentially grow along [0001] direction. Raman spectrum shows the mode E2 high at 439 cm −1 that is related to the vibration of oxygen atoms in wurtzite ZnO. Room-temperature ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectrum shows the absorption band at around 399 nm (red-shifted as compared to bulk). This novel nanostructure would be a promising candidate for a variety of future applications.