Pierced ZnO nanosheets via a template-free photopolymerization in microemulsion

Multilevel porous ZnO nanosheets have been synthesized from the precursor solution containing monomer and photoinitiator by a photopolymerization method in water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsion, avoiding the introduction of a template. The radical-mediated photopolymerization is a cross-linking polymerization process induced by the UV light to motivate the photoinitiator from the ground state to the excited state, which makes it possible to realize the rapid transformation of liquid monomers into solid polymer. After calcination to remove the solid polymer, pierced ZnO nanosheets show a well-defined interconnected architecture with large specific surface area and various pore sizes from mesopores to macropores. Additionally, the morphology and size of pores can be adjusted by changing the components of W/O microemulsion. Merited by the unique porous structure and high specific surface area, the pierced ZnO nanosheets demonstrate intended performance as an anode of lithium ion batteries. Moreover, this strategy is a well-designed and attractive method for producing other porous nanomaterials.