ZnO nanorod arrays with tunable size and field emission properties on an ITO substrate achieved by an electrodeposition method

In the present work,vertically aligned ZnO nanorod arrays with tunable size are successfully synthesized on nonseeded ITO glass substrates by a simple electrodeposition method.The effect of growth conditions on the phase,morphology,and orientation of the products are studied in detail by X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and transmission electron microscopy(TEM).It is observed that the as-prepared nanostructures exhibit a preferred orientation along c axis,and the size and density of the ZnO nanorod can be controlled by changing the concentration of ZnCl2.Field emission properties of the as-synthesized samples with different diameters are also studied,and the results show that the nanorod arrays with a smaller diameter and appropriate rod density exhibit better emission properties.The ZnO nanorod arrays show a potential application in field emitters.     

Application of TiO2 with different structures in solar cells

The application of TiO2-based devices is mainly dependent on their crystalline structure,morphology,size,and exposed facets.Two kinds of TiO2 with different structures,namely TiO2 pompons and TiO2 nanotubes,have been prepared by the hydrothermal method.TiO2 with different structures is characterized by scanning electron microscopy(SEM),X-ray diffraction(XRD),and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller(BET) surface area analysis.Solar cells based on poly(3-hexylthiophene)(P3HT) and TiO2 with different structures are fabricated.In the device ITO/TiO2/P3HT/Au,the P3HT is designed to act as the electron donor,and TiO2 pompons and TiO2 nanotubes act as the electron acceptor.The effects of the TiO2 structure on the performance of hybrid heterojunction solar cells are investigated.The device with TiO2 pompons has an open circuit voltage(Voc) of 0.51 V,a short circuit current(Jsc) of 0.21 mA/cm2,and a fill factor(FF) of 28.3%.Another device with TiO2 nanotubes has a V oc of 0.5 V,J sc of 0.27mA/cm2,and FF of 28.4%.The results indicate that the TiO2 nanotubes with a unidimensional structure have better carrier transport and light absorption properties than TiO 2 pompons.Consequently,the solar cell based on TiO2 nanotubes has a better performance.     

Seed-assisted growth of epitaxial ZnO nanorod arrays with self-organized periodicity and directional alignment

In this article we report the seed-assisted growth of epitaxial ZnO nanorod (NR) arrays on (0 0 0 1) plane sapphire substrates at low temperatures in aqueous solutions. The self-organized periodic ZnO NR rows with a fairly constant separation were directly grown on bare sapphire surfaces, without the need for any complicated lithography or use of pre-patterned catalysts. The spatial ordering of the ZnO NRs was significantly influenced by the seed growth conditions and by the presence of a self-organized step structure on the annealed sapphire surface. In addition, the effect of the conditions employed to prepare the seeds, including growth parameters and post-growth annealing treatment, on the epitaxial relationship between the ZnO NRs and the sapphire substrate was systematically investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations. Post-growth annealing of the ZnO seeds changed the morphologies and crystallographic alignment of the generated ZnO nanostructures significantly, as a result of the formation of epitaxial spinel ZnAl₂O₄ interlayers, facilitated by zinc cation diffusion and solid state reactions at high temperature.     

Synthesis and characterization of TiO2/Fe2O3 core-shell nanocomposition film and their photoelectrochemical property

TiO₂/Fe₂O₃ core-shell nanocomposition film has been fabricated via two-step method. TiO₂ nanorod arrays are synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method, and followed by Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles deposited on TiO₂ nanorod arrays through an ordinary chemical bath deposition. The phase structures, morphologies, particle size, chemical compositions of the composites have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometer. The results confirm that Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles of mean size ca. 10 nm coated on the surface of TiO2 NRs. After depositing Fe₂O₃, UV-vis absorption property is induces the shift to the visible-light range, the annealing temperature of 600 °C is the best condition for UV-vis absorption property of TiO₂/Fe₂O₃ nanocomposite film, and increasing Fe content, optical activity are enhanced one by one. The photoelectrochemical (PEC) performances of the as-prepared composite nanorods are determined by measuring the photo-generated currents under illumination of UV-vis light. The TiO₂ NRs modified by Fe₂O₃ show the photocurrent value of 1.36 mA/cm² at 0 V vs Ag/AgCl, which is higher than those of unmodified TiO₂ NRs.     

Controllable synthesis of highly ordered Ag nanorod arrays by chemical deposition method

Highly ordered Ag nanorod arrays were successfully fabricated using a simple chemical deposition method with the assistance of porous alumina membrane (PAM) template. The products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Ag⁺ ions in the PAM nanochannels were reduced by acetaldehyde reagent and resulting in the formation of rod array structures. It is found that the diameter of the Ag nanorods is determined by the PAM template, and the length of the Ag nanorods is depended on the reaction temperature. The growth mechanism of the Ag nanorod arrays is investigated in the study.     

Synthesis of aligned GaN nanorods on Si (111) by molecular beam epitaxy

Straight and well-aligned GaN nanorods have been successfully synthesized by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) method. The GaN nanorods have been characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). SEM images show that GaN nanorods are constituted with two parts of which shapes are different from each other. The upper part of the nanorod is very thin and its lower part is relatively thick. The XRD and EDS analysis have identified that the nanorods are pure hexagonal GaN with single crystalline wurtzite structure. The TEM images indicate that the nanorods are well crystallized and nearly free from defects. The XRD, HRTEM, and SAED pattern reveal that the growth direction of GaN nanorods is 〈0001〉. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra indicate the good emission property for the nanorods. Finally, we have demonstrated about the two-step growth of the nanorods. PACS 81.07.Bc; 81.05.Ea; 81.15.Hi     

新型硬盘基板微晶玻璃的晶核剂研究

采用差热分析(DTA)、X-射线衍射分析(XRD)和扫描电镜(SEM)等分析手段研究了P2O5、TiO2、ZnF2作为晶核剂对Li2O-Al2O3-SiO2(LAS)系统微晶玻璃形核和晶化的影响。结果表明:P2O5晶核剂能获得小尺寸的晶粒,晶型为球形或多面体形,析晶的可控制性良好;TiO2晶核剂析晶温度较高,析晶强烈,形成条状细晶;ZnF2晶核剂能获得小尺寸球状晶粒,析晶温度较低,但对温度过于敏感。P2O5作为晶核剂可以获得理想小晶粒的透明微晶玻璃,从而适合于用作新型硬盘基板。     

Disc-Capped ZnO Nanocombs

Nanocombs with a disc cap structure of ZnO have been synthesized on Si substrates by using pure Zinc powaers as the source materials based on a vapour-phase transport process. The morphology and the microstructure are investigated by a scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. Based on the transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction analysis, the growth directions of three representative parts, nanoribbon stem, nanorod branch and nanodisc cap of the nanocomb are revealed. The growth mechanism of the disc-capped nanocombs is discussed based on the self-catalyzed vapour-liquid-solid process.     

Synthesis and characterization of single crystalline SnO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanorods by high-pressure pulsed laser deposition

Tin oxide (SnO₂) nanorods were grown by high-pressure pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The nanorods were grown without the use of a catalyst but required high background pressure growth in order to realize small grain columnar growth and nanorod formation, with nanorod formation most favored on non-epitaxial substrates. The structures and morphology were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). X-ray diffraction and HRTEM analysis indicate that the as-grown SnO₂ nanorods are single crystals with a rutile structure. The nanorods are approximately 50–90 nm in diameters and 1.5 μm in length. This method provides an approach for large area synthesis of one dimensional SnO₂ nanostructure materials. PACS 81.16.Mk; 61.46.-w; 81.07.-b     

Growth of Indium Nanorods by Magnetron Sputtering

Indium nanorods are grown on silicon substrates by using magnetron-sputtering technique. Film morphologies and nanorod microstructure are investigated by using scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy （HRTEM）, and x-ray diffraction. It is found that the mean diameter of the nanorods ranges from 30nm to 100nm and the height ranges from 30nm to 200nm. The HRTEM investigations show that the indium nanorods are single crystals and grow along the [100] axis. The nanorods grow from the facets near the surface undulation that is caused by compressive stress in the indium grains generated during grain coalescence process. For low melting point and high diffusivity metal, such as bismuth and indium, this spontaneous nanorod growth mechanism can be used to fabricate nanostructures.     

Novel CeO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanorod framework prepared by dealloying for supercapacitors applications

The CeO₂ nanorod framework was synthesized via a facile-dealloying method coupled with calcination treatment for supercapacitors. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterizations identified the cubic phase and nanorod morphology of the synthesized sample. Their electrochemical performance was also evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge tests, and cycling performances. The results show that CeO₂ nanorod framework possesses high-specific capacitance and superior charge/discharge stability, which are mainly ascribed to its high-Brunauer-Emmett-Tellar surface area (110.6 m² g^?1). Notably, the CeO₂//AC (Active Carbon) asymmetric supercapacitor device exhibits excellent cycling stability with capacity retention of 133.6% after cycling for 30,000 cycles.     

Synthesis of porous and trigonal TiO2 nanoflake, its high activity for sonocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B and kinetic analysis

Porous and trigonal TiO(2) nanoflakes (p-TiO(2)) have been synthesized via a simple hydrothermal calcination process, and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UV-vis absorption/reflection spectroscopy (UV-vis). The X-ray diffraction patterns of the as-prepared samples show that p-TiO(2) has an anatase structure. Transmission electron microscopy images indicate that p-TiO(2) consists of sheet-like particles with numerous pores about 100nm in diameter. Ultraviolet-visible reflection spectroscopy exhibits that the absorption edge acquires a blue shift with increased calcination temperature. The effects of the calcination temperature, catalyst dosage, and initial rhodamine B (RhB) concentration on the sonocatalytic activity for removing RhB are investigated in detail. The results show that the as-prepared p-TiO(2) obtained at the optimal calcination temperature of 600°C exhibits a higher sonocatalytic activity than commercial P25. Based on the effects of the initial RhB concentration on sonocatalytic activity, the sonocatalytic degradation kinetics of RhB is also investigated.     

Characterization of optoelectronic properties of the ZnO nanorod array using surface photovoltage technique

Well-aligned ZnO nanorod array, synthesized by wet chemical bath deposition (CBD) method on conductive indium-in-oxide (ITO) substrate, was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Surface photovoltage (SPV) technique based on a scanning Kelvin Probe system was employed to investigate the optoelectronic behavior of ZnO nanorod array. The surface photovoltage and its time-resolved evolution process are used to determine the energy level structure of the ZnO nanorod array.     

Aligned ZnO nanorod arrays fabricated on Si substrate by solution deposition

Aligned ZnO nanorod arrays were fabricated by chemical solution deposition based on Si substrate which was spin coated with ZnO colloid as nucleation seeds. Their microstructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The results indicated that ZnO nanorods nucleated and grew vertically on Si substrates along the [0 0 1] direction with single-crystalline structure. The diameter of ZnO nanorods was greatly affected by the grain size of ZnO seeds. Room-temperature photoluminescence of nanorods has a strong emission band at about 384 nm.     

Biomimetic synthesis of HgS nanoparticles in the bovine serum albumin solution

HgS nanocrystals conjugated with protein were synthesized in aqueous solution of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) at room temperature. The obtained HgS nanoparticles with average diameter about 20–40 nm were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The quantum-confined effect of the HgS nanoparticles is confirmed by the ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and photoluminescence (PL) spectrum. The rescults indicate that the BSA not only induce the nucleation, but inhibit the further growth of HgS nanoparticles. The effect of Hg²⁺ on BSA and the change of BSA conformation were studied through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The possible mechanism of HgS nanoparticles growth in the BSA solution was also discussed.     

Formation of hexagonal shaped wurtzite zinc sulphide nano rods

Zinc sulfide nanorods with good photoluminescence have been successfully fabricated using a simple sol-gel process via ultrasonication, with mercaptoethanol as capping agent. The formation of ZnS nucleation, followed by subsequent growth, is significant in obtaining highly oriented ZnS nanorods. Temperature, time, and capping agent also proved to be significant factors in the growth of ZnS nanorods and greatly affect their photo luminescent properties. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, low and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM & HRTEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that the ZnS nanorods were single crystal in nature and that they had grown up preferentially along the [0001] direction. This simple method of nucleation, followed by their successive growth, resulted in the development of an effective and low-cost fabrication process for high-quality ZnS nanorods with good photo luminescent properties that can be applied to luminescent sensors and optoelectronic devices.     

Controlled synthesis of oriented ZnO nanorod arrays by seed-layer-free electrochemical deposition

Oriented ZnO nanorod arrays were successfully prepared on transparent conductive substrates by seed-layer-free electrochemical deposition in solution of Zn(NO₃)₂ at a low temperature of 70 °C without using any catalysts, additives, and additional seed crystals. The effects of the Zn(NO₃)₂ concentration, deposition time and applied current on the localized nanorod arrays are investigated. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) were used to characterize the structures and the morphologies of ZnO nanorod arrays. The heights and diameters of ZnO nanorods can be tuned by controlling the electrodeposition parameters.     

Effect of precursor concentration on the growth of zinc oxide nanorod arrays on pre-treated substrates

Well aligned zinc oxide nanorod arrays (ZNAs) synthesized by a simple chemical bath deposition method were fabricated on pre-treated Si substrates. By keeping the molar VI/II ratio constant, the effect of precursor concentration on the growth and optical quality of the ZNAs was investigated. The as-synthesized ZNAs were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). FESEM images show that both the diameter and aspect ratio of the ZNAs increase dramatically as the precursor concentration increases. The XRD analysis indicates that all the as-grown ZNAs are crystalline and are preferentially oriented along the c-axis. The high intensity ratio of the UV emission to visible emission in the room temperature PL spectra illustrate that high optical quality ZNAs were produced.     

两步法制备空间取向高度一致的ZnO纳米棒阵列

采用两步法,即先用磁控溅射在Si(100)表面生长一层ZnO籽晶层、再利用液相法制备空间取向高度一致的ZnO纳米棒阵列.用扫描电子显微镜、X射线衍射、高分辨透射电子显微镜和选区电子衍射对样品形貌和结构特征进行了表征.结果表明,ZnO纳米棒具有垂直于衬底沿c轴择优生长和空间取向高度一致的特性和比较大的长径比,X射线衍射的(XRD)(0002)峰半高宽只有0.06°,选区电子衍射也显示了优异的单晶特性.光致发光谱表明ZnO纳米棒具有非常强的紫外本征发光和非常弱的杂质或缺陷发光特性. 关键词： ZnO纳米棒阵列 ZnO籽晶层 两步法 液相生长     

Synthesis of Different TiO_2 Nanostructures and Their Physical Properties

Titanium dioxide(TiO_2) nanosheet, nanorod and nanotubes are synthesized using chemical vapor deposition(CVD) and anodizing processes. TiO_2 nanosheets are grown on Ti foil which is coated with Au catalyst in CVD,TiO_2 nanorods are synthesized on treated Ti foil with HCI by CVD, and TiO_2 nanotubes are prepared by the three-step anodization method. Scanning electron microscopy shows the final TiO_2 structures prepared using three processes with three different morphologies of nanosheet, nanorod and nanotube. X-ray diffraction verifies the presence of TiO_2. TiO_2 sheets and rods are crystalized in rutile phase, and TiO_2 tubes after annealing turn into the anatase crystal phase. The optical investigations carried out by diffuse reflection spectroscopy reveal that the morphology of TiO_2 nanostructures influencing their optical response and band gap energy of TiO_2 is changed for different TiO_2 nanostructures.