A novel template-free wet chemical synthesis method for economical production of zinc oxide microrods under atmospheric pressure

This work reports a template-free wet chemical synthesis method for economical production of zinc oxide (ZnO) microrods by using an inexpensive polypropylene beaker as a reactor under atmospheric pressure. The morphology and crystal structure of the as-prepared ZnO microrods were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Raman scattering. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Ultraviolet–visible (UV/Vis) spectroscopy and methylene blue photocatalytic degradation test were also conducted to study their physical and chemical properties. The results show that the as-prepared ZnO microrods have a hexagonal crystal structure. Under the optimal synthesis condition, they have a diameter of 0.8–2.6 μm and a length of 10–40 μm. Compared with commercial ZnO powders, the as-prepared ZnO microrods have a higher whiteness. Meanwhile, the as-prepared ZnO microrods have very low photocatalytic activity, indicating that they have good photostability and are unlikely to cause the photodegradation of polymers such as binders. As a result, they will be an excellent and economical white pigment with great potential in coating applications.