Synthesis of ZnO nanorods using different precursor solutions and their two terminal device characterization

Abstract

ZnO nanostructures such as nanoparticles, nanorods, nanotubes and nanoplates were prepared by the novel chemical solution route using different combinations of precursors such as zinc nitrate [Zn(NO3)(2)center dot 6H(2)O] and sodium hydroxide [NaOH], zinc nitrate [Zn(NO3)(2)center dot 6H(2)O] and hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) (C6H12N4), and zinc acetate [Zn(CH3COO)(2)center dot 2H(2)O] and NaOH at low temperature. The effects of temperature and bath concentration for the synthesis of various ZnO nanostructures have been studied. Synthesized powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and photoluminescence. The crystalline structure, size and shape of the synthesized particles have been analyzed. Energy band gap values and photoluminescence emissions of the nanostructures were found to change according to the kind of the particles. Rod shaped ZnO have been obtained from the combination of zinc nitrate and HMT. The synthesized ZnO nanorods were aligned between lithographically patterned finger type metal contacts and their current-voltage response were measured.