We successfully synthesized Au-ZnO hybrid nanoparticles with a novel hexagonal pyramid-like structure. The growth process of the as-prepared hybrid nanopyramids is clearly discussed. Because of their homogeneous composition and controlled morphology, the Au-ZnO hybrid nanopyramids demonstrate better photocatalytic efficiency than pure ZnO nanocrystals.

We report a facile process for the controllable synthesis of the Mn 3 O 4 nanocrystals with different sizes and shapes, which includes dots, rods, and wires in the presence of the surfactants dodecanol and oleylamine. It is notable that the uniform-sized nanocrystals were achieved under mild experimental conditions and the common inorganic salt, such as manganese(II) nitrate, was adopted as the precursor. Furthermore, the as-prepared monodisperse nanocrystals, as ideal building blocks, can be rationally assembled into three-dimensional (3D) Mn 3 O 4 colloidal spheres, using a facile ultrasonication strategy. In particular, the 3D colloidal spheres can be successfully converted to LiMn 2 O 4 nanocrystals, which show distinct electrochemical performance, mainly depending on their crystallinity and size.

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In this study, we report a simple solution-phase method to prepare ZnO nanostructures with controllable morphologies. By using oleylamine (OAm) and dodecanol (DDL) as solvents, zinc oxide nanocrystals with tunable sizes and diverse shapes (hexagonal pyramids, bulletlike, and pencil-like shapes) have been obtained under mild conditions. At the same time, the introduction of presynthesized gold nanocrystals can also lead to the hybrid nanostructures of gold-zinc oxide hexagonal nanopyramids. In addition, the possible formation mechanism of the as-prepared ZnO nanostructures has been investigated. Notably, the unique optical properties of the ZnO nanostructures with different sizes and shapes have also been discussed. We hope that this strategy will be a general and effective method for fabricating other metal oxide nanocrystals.

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