Synthesis and Characterizations of ZnO Nanorods Arrays and Mesoporous Films for Device Applications

Abstract

We present a novel aqueous-solution synthesis technique to obtain uniform ZnO nanorod arrays with good crystalline and mesoporous films. This technique was preferred for reasons related to economical and ecological advantages, low-temperature and the flexibility to tailor the nanorod sizes and shapes, density and properties by doping and solution conditions. Most attention is paid to an aqueous-based solution route that involves the formation of a nanorods by hydrolysis, condensation and complexation reactions of metal salts without any templates and seeds. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope, Rutherford backscattering (RBS), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used for materials characterization. The high sensitivity and stability of sensors made from ZnO nanorods and nano/mesoporous films demonstrate the potential for developing a new class of nanosensors and nanodevices for industrial applications.