Growth of flower-like ZnO microcrystals with good symmetry by mist chemical vapor deposition

Abstract

Using the mist chemical vapor deposition (mist-CVD), a potentially low-environment-impact and low-cost crystal growth technique, ZnO microcrystals with unique geometries were grown. Their geometries comprised two parts: a stem-like microwire and flower-petal-like microcrystals with a six-fold symmetry. The flower-like ZnO microcrystals were covered with numerous nanocrystals that were almost regularly arranged on their surface. Furthermore, by selectively enhancing the crystal growth of mist-CVD, regularly arranged flower-like ZnO microcrystals were achieved on a substrate.