Optical Properties of ZnO Nanowires and Nanorods Synthesized by Two Step Oxidation Process

Abstract

ZnO nanowires with a diameter of 70 nm and nanorods with a diameter in the range of 100-150 nm and two micrometer in length were grown on glass substrates by resistive evaporation method and applying a two step oxidation process at low temperatures, without using any catalyst, template or buffer layer. XRD pattern of these nanostructures indicated a good crystallinity property with wurtzite hexagonal structure. Photoluminescence measurement revealed three band emissions; one sharp strong peak in the UV region and two weaker peaks in the visible region, indicate good optical properties of nanorods synthesized by this method. Heat treatment in oxygen-rich atmosphere results to decrease of deep-level emission intensity in the PL spectra. The relatively high intensity of UV emission implies that this approach is a simple and promising method for fabricating ZnO nanorods in order to be used in optoelectronic devices especially in the UV range of the spectrum.