Atomic force microscopy imaging of ZnO nanodots deposited on quartz by sparking off different tip shapes |
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| Authors: | T Kumpika W Thongsuwan P Singjai |
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| Institution: | 1. Nanomaterials Research Unit, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;2. Nanomaterials Research Unit, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, ThailandNanomaterials Research Unit, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand. |
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| Abstract: | We have demonstrated a simple method for depositing ZnO nanodots on quartz substrates by sparking off different tip shapes at voltages of 2, 4 and 6 kV in air at atmospheric pressure. A comparison was made among the three tip shapes: the sharp tip, the conical tip and the dull tip. The surface morphology was then observed by atomic force microscopy. The mean height of the randomly distributed dots of approximately 8 nm was successfully deposited from the sharp tip at 6 kV. Characterizations by UV–vis spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy have confirmed the presence of ZnO and the quality improvement by annealing treatments. Moreover, a nucleation mechanism of the nanodot formation is discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
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| Keywords: | AFM zinc oxide nanodots sparking |
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