Synthesis and characterization of ZnO:In nanowires with superlattice structure

ZnO:In nanowires with superlattice structure have been successfully synthesized by evaporating ZnO, In2O3, and Co2O3 mixed powders. There are two types of superlattice nanowires in the product, one with longitudinal superlattice structure and another with transverse superlattice structure. Structures and components of the superlattice nanowires were investigated. It is found that they consist of In-O and In-doped Zn-O layers (In/Zn-O layers) stacked alternately perpendicular to the c axis and they have approximate ln(2)O(3)(ZnO)(m) composition. In addition, zigzag-modulated structure was also observed and considered as the ordered arrangement of In atoms within In/Zn-O layers. A growth model based on the vapor-liquid-solid mechanism is proposed for interpreting the growth of nanowires in our work. Due to the heavy doping of In, the emission peak in photoluminescence spectra has red-shifted as well as broadened seriously.