Zinc Oxide Nanowire Films: Solution Growth, Defect States and Electrical Conductivity

Abstract

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures off er the most promising platform for fabrication of various optoelectronic devices. Insulating and nonmagnetic pristine ZnO becomes highly electrically conductive and magnetic due to the presence of a huge concentration of impurities and defects. High surface area in nanowire fi lms enhances the defect density and alters optical and electrical properties. In this chapter, we initially review the solution growth processes to fabricate ZnO nanowire fi lms. Th en, theoretically proposed and experimentally observed defect states and their origin are discussed. Th e role of defect states which unintentionally dope the ZnO is reviewed and the source of n-type and p-type conductivities is looked at. Further, we discuss the infl uence of defect states on the electrical conductivity and photosensitivity of zinc oxide nanowire fi lms. Th e chapter concludes with a brief introduction about ZnO nanowires-based green energy conversion devices.