Synthesis of zinc 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol (Zn(PAN)₂) nanobelts with nonlinear optical property

Zn(PAN)₂ nanobelts with widths of 100–200 nm and lengths of 1–2 μm have been successfully synthesized through a facile solvothermal method at 140 °C for 24 h. The composition, morphology and size of the as-prepared products were confirmed by elemental analysis (EA), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effects of Zn/PAN molar ratio, reaction solvent and reaction time on the morphology of Zn(PAN)₂ nanostructures have been studied systematically. A possible growth process of the Zn(PAN)₂ nanobelts has been proposed. Moreover, the nonlinear optical property of the Zn(PAN)₂ sample was investigated for the first time, indicating that these nanomaterials have potential future application in nonlinear optics.