Growth of ZnO Nanoparticles and Nanorods Using a Novel Synthesis Route: Explanation with Hit and Stick Model

ZnO nanoparticles, nanorods and nanoclusters of different shapes and sizes have been synthesized using a novel chemical route and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopic (FE-SEM) studies. Crystalline nature of the ZnO nanoparticles is confirmed from XRD patterns. The average grain size of as-prepared ZnO nanoparticles has evaluated from Scherer formula. FE-SEM images indicate the shape, size and structure of the obtained ZnO nanocrystals. The initial rapid growth of the nanoparticles and nanorods is well explained with the hit-and-stick model. The growth rate is found to be highest for the sample with 5% starch concentration and lowest for sample with 0.3% starch concentration respectively.