Galvanic deposition of ZnO using mixed electrolyte and their photoluminescence properties

The effects of Zn(OAc)2 concentrations and chemical nature of supporting electrolytes on the galvanic deposition of ZnO have been investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis. The results show that the taper-like ZnO crystals are apt to be produced at lower Zn(OAc)2 concentrations, while the rod-like ZnO crystals tend to be grown at higher Zn(OAc)2 concentrations. The photoluminescence of as-prepared ZnO nanorods shows that there exist a strong UV emission band, a broad blue band at 468 nm, and a very weak green band at 550 nm. The blue-shift of UV emission is attributed to the Cl doping of ZnO in chloride electrolyte.