Growth and enhanced optical properties of ZnO:S nanorods and multipodes

• Sulphur doped ZnO (ZnO:S) nanorods and multipodes have been prepared by sonochemical method.
• ZnO:S nanorods are found to be hexagonal wurtzite phase and oriented along the c-axis.
• Strong UV and visible light absorbance is observed for ZnO:S for its application in sunscreens.
• New PL bands observed in ZnO:S have been ascribed to impurity related transitions.

Sonochemical synthesis of sulphur doped ZnO (ZnO:S) nanorods and multipodes is reported. Formation of hexagonal wurtzite phase of ZnO is confirmed by X-ray diffraction measurements. Electron microscopic studies show that the nanorods are grown along c-axis and formed multipode like superstructures in ZnO:S. Strong optical absorption bands in the region 300–800 nm are observed for ZnO:S compared to ZnO. This ensures the application of ZnO:S nanopowders in sunscreens as UV blocking agents. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra reveal two new bands at 439 nm and 679 nm for ZnO:S when excited with 354 nm light. Enhanced and modified optical properties of ZnO:S nanorods are analysed in the light of sulphur occupying anion and interstitial sites.

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