Synthesis and properties of ZnO nano-ribbon and comb structures

Abstract

ZnO is of great interest for photonic applications due to its wide band gap (3.37 eV) and large exciton binding energy (60 meV). A large variety of fabrication methods and nanostructure morphologies was reported up to date for this material. Obtained morphologies include nanobelts or nanoribbons, nanowires, nanorods, tetrapod nanostructures, etc. Novel nanostructures like hierarchical nanostructures, nanobridges and nanonails have also been fabricated. In this work, we report a simple method for fabrication of nanoribbon and nanocomb structures. The structures are fabricated by evaporation of a mixture of ZnO and carbon nanotubes (CNT) at 1050°C, and the deposition products have been collected on Si substrates in the temperature range 750-800°C. The growth mechanism of obtained structures is discussed. © 2005 American Institute of Physics.