Preparation and fluorescence properties of ZnO nanowhiskers synthesized by oxidation of Zn vapor

Abstract

A series of ZnO nanowhiskers with different morphologies including nanowires, tetrapods, and multipods were synthesized by oxidation of Zn vapor method. Reaction influencing factors such as reaction temperature and oxidizing atmosphere were studied. Possible growth mechanisms of the as-prepared ZnO nanowhiskers and ZnO sheets were proposed. Room temperature photoluminescence spectra show that the as-prepared ZnO nanowhiskers have a strong visible light emission with wavelengths between 450 nm and 550 nm and a weak ultraviolet emission at 385 nm, which were related to oxygen vacancy and surface state of the ZnO nanowhiskers, and the near-band-edge emission of ZnO, respectively.