Ultra fast synthesis of zinc oxide nanostructures by microwaves

We describe a novel route for the synthesis of nanostructured zinc oxide powder using a modified kitchen microwave. A SiC-based composite showing a very strong absorption of microwaves was used as a microwave heater. Tests showed that high temperatures exceeding 1700 ^{{ring operator}}C can be reached in less than hundred second exposure of the composite material of microwaves. Zinc oxide nanopowder was obtained by evaporation and oxidation of metallic zinc in the ambient atmosphere of the microwave oven. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques revealed the prepared powder includes a wide variety of nanostructures including nanoparticles, nanosheets and tetrapods.