Solution-based growth of ZnO nanorods for light-emitting devices: hydrothermal vs. electrodeposition

• Published in: Applied physics. B, Lasers and optics Vol. 100; no. 4; pp. 851 - 858
• Main Authors: Ng, A. M. C., Chen, X. Y., Fang, F., Hsu, Y. F., Djurišić, A. B., Ling, C. C., Tam, H. L., Cheah, K. W., Fong, P. W. K., Lui, H. F., Surya, C., Chan, W. K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 01-09-2010; Springer
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Deposition; Devices; Electrodeposition; Electronics; Emission; Engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Lasers; Nanorods; Optical Devices; Optics; Optoelectronic devices; Photonics; Physical Chemistry; Physics; Physics and Astronomy; Quantum Optics; Seeds; Semiconductor electronics. Microelectronics. Optoelectronics. Solid state devices; Zinc oxide; Yellow Emission; Forward Bias; Reverse Bias; Versus Curve; Seed Layer; Hydrothermal growth; Binary compound; Gallium Nitrides; II-VI semiconductors; Zinc Oxides; Emission spectrum; Light emitting diode; Heterojunction; III-V semiconductors
• ISSN: 0946-2171; 1432-0649
• DOI: 10.1007/s00340-010-4173-9

ZnO nanorods have been grown by two inexpensive, solution-based, low-temperature methods: hydrothermal growth and electrodeposition. Heterojunction n-ZnO nanorods/p-GaN light-emitting diodes have been studied for different nanorod growth methods and different preparation of the seed layer. We demonstrate that both the nanorod properties and the device performance are strongly dependent on the growth method and seed layer. All the devices exhibit light emission under both forward and reverse bias, and the emission spectra can be tuned by ZnO nanorod deposition conditions. Electrodeposition of rods or a seed layer results in yellow emission, while conventional hydrothermal growth results in violet emission.