ZnO nanosheets with ordered pore periodicity via colloidal crystal template assisted electrochemical deposition

The use of colloidal crystal template assisted electrochemical deposition technique to produce zinc oxide (ZnO) nanosheets with ordered pore periodicity, was investigated. Indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass was used as an electrochemical working electrode. ZnO nanosheets with ordered pore periodicity were obtained by the electrochemical deposition of zinc hydroxide nitrate hydrate (ZHNH) into the interstices of colloidal crystal arrays and the templates were removed under calcination. The spatial arrangement of ZnO nanosheets on ITO substrates was largely affected by the colloidal crystal template assisted crystallization process. The ZnO nanosheets prepared with colloidal crystal templates had a good homogeneity and fully covered the ITO substrate. ZnO nanosheets with triangular or hexapetalous flowerlike structures were formed by the process.