Effect of seed layer on the self assembly of spray pyrolyzed Al-doped ZnO nanoparticles

Charu Dwivedi,V Dutta

doi:10.1063/1.4795762

Abstract

Al-doped ZnO (AlZO) nanorod arrays and nanostructures were fabricated on seed coated glass substrates via CoSP (Continuous Spray Pyrolysis) reactor. The as-synthesized aluminium doped ZnO nanoparticles and nanorods were analyzed through different characterization techniques. There were no significant changes found in the structure with doping of Al but the morphology of the film changed to branched nanorods and nanosheets with the change in seed solution and annealing temperature, respectively. Also, the current–voltage curves of the ZnO and AZO nanorod arrays was measured and it was found that the current response of AZO nanorods was higher than that of ZnO nanorods, proving the Al incorporation as a dopant.

Highlights

The investigation of one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures has attracted recent attention since it has significance in both fundamental and technological fields
We report on CoSP technique to synthesize both nanoparticles and nanostructures of Al-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) at one go
The Al-doped ZnO nanoparticles and nanostructures have been successfully synthesized by CoSP reactor

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The investigation of one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures has attracted recent attention since it has significance in both fundamental and technological fields. Al - doped ZnO (AZO) nanostructures are capable of reaching the highest conductivity.[10] It is possible to increase the device performance by doping Al in ZnO nanostructures. ZnO nanorod arrays have proved to be promising candidate for high-bendable and flexible DSSCs. There are various reports in the literature where researchers have used group II, III, IV, V, and VI elements as dopants to enhance the electrical and optical properties of ZnO.[11] Amongst the dopants, Al has been considered as best for forming n-type ZnO because of its possibility to reach the highest conductivity with good optical quality.[12]. We report on CoSP technique to synthesize both nanoparticles and nanostructures of Al-doped ZnO at one go

Seed solution

Nanorod preparation through CoSP process

Characterization

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION