ZnO Nanowires Synthesized by Vapor Phase Transport Deposition on Transparent Oxide Substrates

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Zinc oxide nanowires have been synthesized without using metal catalyst seed layers on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates by a modified vapor phase transport deposition process using a double-tube reactor. The unique reactor configuration creates a Zn-rich...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Taylor Curtis, Trad Tarek, Craciun Valentin, McLeskey James, Yu Dongshan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2010-01-01
Series:Nanoscale Research Letters
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11671-010-9649-3
Description
Summary:<p>Abstract</p> <p>Zinc oxide nanowires have been synthesized without using metal catalyst seed layers on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates by a modified vapor phase transport deposition process using a double-tube reactor. The unique reactor configuration creates a Zn-rich vapor environment that facilitates formation and growth of zinc oxide nanoparticles and wires (20&#8211;80 nm in diameter, up to 6 &#956;m in length, density &lt;40 nm apart) at substrate temperatures down to 300&#176;C. Electron microscopy and other characterization techniques show nanowires with distinct morphologies when grown under different conditions. The effect of reaction parameters including reaction time, temperature, and carrier gas flow rate on the size, morphology, crystalline structure, and density of ZnO nanowires has been investigated. The nanowires grown by this method have a diameter, length, and density appropriate for use in fabricating hybrid polymer/metal oxide nanostructure solar cells. For example, it is preferable to have nanowires no more than 40 nm apart to minimize exciton recombination in polymer solar cells.</p>
ISSN:1931-7573
1556-276X