Two-dimensional and three-dimensional ZnO nanostructures induced by twinnings

A variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional ZnO nanostructures induced by five types of twinning have been synthesized using a thermal evaporation approach. Self-assembled ZnO nanostructures induced by and twinnings are dominant in the products. ZnO nanostructures self-assembled by , and twinnings constitute a low fraction of the total. The sizes of the self-assembled ZnO nanostructures are determined by the polarity-induced fast [0001] growth of the ZnO nanoneedle building blocks. The configurations and morphologies are determined by twinning type. Twinning is proved to be an effect method to self-assemble ZnO nanoneedle building blocks into two-dimensional and three-dimensional nanostructures with different configurations and morphologies.