Morphology control and steady photoluminescence of ZnO nanorods

Improved microemulsion synthesis method was employed to control the morphology of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nano-products. The morphology, structure and optical properties of the as-prepared nanorods were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), power and temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectra measurements. The PL dynamics are examined by time resolved PL. The results showed that the sample had fine rod-like morphology and that the preferential growth direction was along the c axis. The PL spectra showed a strong and thermal stability ultra violet emission with a very weak visible emission associated with deep-level defects. The process to control the crystal growth and defect states in order to control the morphology and good optical properties of the produced samples is discussed.