Luminescent and structural properties of ZnO nanorods prepared under different conditions

The morphology and optical properties of ZnO nanostructures prepared by thermal evaporation of Zn under different conditions was investigated. ZnO nanostructures prepared in air, dry and humid argon flow, and dry and humid nitrogen flow were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and photoluminescence. Tetrapod nanorods were obtained for fabrication in air, while for fabrication in argon or nitrogen flow nanowires and tetrapod nanorods were obtained. Growth of nanowires from the end of the tetrapod nanorod was observed. Influence of the preparation conditions on the structure and the room-temperature photoluminescence is discussed. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.