Synthesis and characterization of Al-doped ZnO terrace-truncated nanocone structure by the advanced spray pyrolysis deposition technique

Abstract

We have synthesized a terrace-truncated nanocone structure of Al-doped ZnO using the advanced spray pyrolysis deposition technique. In this study, we proposed the growth mechanism of a terrace-truncated nanocone structure. The average top diameter is 35–40 nm and the height of the structure varies between 600–650 nm. The nanostructure was favored along the c-axis as confirmed by X-ray diffraction patterns. The electrical conductivity and optical transmittance in the visible range are 5.1 × 103 Ω−1 cm−1 and 80%, respectively. The proposed terrace-truncated nanocone structure of Al-doped ZnO has suitable characteristics for use as a transparent conductive oxide material.