Catechin mediated one-step fabrication of ZnO microspheres: Synthesis, characterization and applications

Abstract

A one-step template-free synthesis of hollow ZnO microspheres has been developed by a hydrothermal route in the presence of (+)-catechin as crystal habit modifier. Morphology evolution of ZnO particles shows the transformation from hexagonal rods to microspheres with increase in the concentration of catechin in the reaction medium. The microspheres are formed by the aggregation of fine grained nano-sized ZnO particles. The synthesized particles show enhanced photocatalytic ability and high potency as a drug delivery agent.