High-quality ZnO nanorods grown on graphite substrates by chemical solution method

• DOI: 10.1007/s00339-012-7504-3
• Publication Date: 2012-12-28T04:26:19Z
• Authors: ZhiKun Zhang; Yuzhi Zhang; Jiming Bian; Jingchang Sun; Fuwen Qin; Yuxin Wang; Mengke Li; Dong Zhang; Yingmin Luo
• Keywords: 0103 physical sciences; 01 natural sciences; 7. Clean energy

ZnO nanorods (NRs) were grown perpendicularly on graphite substrates using low-temperature wet chemical bath deposition (CBD) with sputtered ZnO film as seed layer. The individual ZnO NRs exhibit single-crystalline feature with well defined hexagonal prism shape and smooth side facets. The high optical qualities of ZnO NRs on graphite substrates were demonstrated by the dominant near-band edge emission and nearly undetectable deep level emissions in room-temperature photoluminescence spectra. The extremely low average reflectance of 0.45 % was obtained for the ZnO NRs/graphite structure in the spectra range from 200 to 1100 nm, indicating that the reported ZnO NRs/graphite structures have significant opportunity for potential application in high-performance photovoltaic devices. Considering the excellent material characteristics of ZnO NRs and the versatile and fascinating features of graphite substrates, the achievements make it possible for the development of high-performance ZnO-based nano-devices even in transferable, flexible, or stretchable forms.