Creation of novel ZnO nanostructures: self-assembled nanoribbon/nanoneedle junction networks and faceted nanoneedles on hexagonal microcrystals

ZnO nanoribbon/nanoneedle junction networks and faceted nanoneedle--microwhisker structures were grown for the first time by the evaporation of ZnS in the presence of oxygen under different reaction conditions. The nanoribbons/nanoneedles crossed each other in three specific directions to form network-like 2D junction structures and displayed a unique and perfect growth mode. For the faceted nanoneedle structure, the nanoneedle grew epitaxially on the (0002) plane of a ZnO microcrystal. These ZnO nanostructures might have potential applications in the development of nanoscale electronics and optics.