Effect of different seed solutions on the morphology and electrooptical properties of ZnO Nanorods

• Published in: Journal of Nanomaterials
• Main Author: Kashif M.; Hashim U.; Ali M.E.; Usman Ali S.M.; Rusop M.; Ibupoto Z.H.; Willander M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84867626646&doi=10.1155%2f2012%2f452407&partnerID=40&md5=7f5ac07a75a41e4c9e93d66d4c35b74f

The morphology and electrooptical properties of ZnO nanorods synthesized on monoethanolamine-based seed layer and KOHbased seed layer were compared. The seed solutions were prepared in monoethanolamine in 2-methoxyethanol and potassium hydroxide in methanol, respectively. Zinc acetate dihydrate was as a common precursor in both solutions. The nanorod-ZnOs were synthesized via the spin coating of two different seed solutions on silicon substrates followed by their hydrothermal growth. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL), and Raman studies revealed that the ZnO nanorods obtained from monoethanolamine-based seed layer had fewer defects, better crystals, and better alignment than those realized via KOH-based seed layer. However, the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics demonstrated better conductivity of the ZnO nanorods obtained via KOH-based seed layer. The current measured in forward bias was 4 mA and 40 f/A for ZnOnanorods grown on KOH-based seed layer and monoethanolamine-based with the turn on voltage of approximately 1.5 V and 2.5 V, respectively, showing the feasibility of using both structures in optoelectric devices. Copyright © 2012 M. Kashif et al.