Polymorphous ZnO complex architectures: selective synthesis, mechanism, surface area and Zn-polar plane-codetermining antibacterial activity

• Published in: Journal of materials chemistry. B, Materials for biology and medicine Vol. 1; no. 4; pp. 454 - 463
• Main Authors: Tong, Guo-Xiu, Du, Fang-Fang, Liang, Yan, Hu, Qian, Wu, Ruo-Nan, Guan, Jian-Guo, Hu, Xian
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 28.01.2013
• ISSN: 2050-750X; 2050-7518
• DOI: 10.1039/c2tb00132b

Complex ZnO architectures with tunable morphologies and structures were obtained by modulating only the base type and molar ratio of base to Zn (α) using an easy one-pot hydrothermal approach without any template or organic additive. Characterizations by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and surface area analysis were performed. The effect of the base type and base/Zn molar ratio on the morphology and corresponding mechanism were determined. The correlations between the microstructure and properties were established. The antibacterial effect of the ZnO samples was probably due to a combination of variable factors. Better antibacterial activity is derived from more effective antibacterial surfaces, which are mainly associated with the specific surface area and Zn-polar plane. Thus, flower-like architectures with larger specific surface areas and more highly exposed (0001) Zn-polar surfaces outwards are promising structures for ZnO antibacterial agents. This work provides a guide for devising and synthesizing highly efficient antibacterial materials.