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

Abstract

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