Reversible tuning of ZnO optical band gap by plasma treatment

Zinc oxide (ZnO) films synthesized by reacting zinc nitrate with hexamethylenetetramine were treated with hydrogen and oxygen plasmas. From UV–visible absorption and optical emission inspection, we have found that the optical band gap of ZnO films blue-shifted with hydrogen plasma treatment, but red-shifted with oxygen plasma treatment. By alternating the treatment sequence of hydrogen and oxygen plasmas, the ZnO optical band gap can be reversibly fine-tuned with the tunable range up to 80 meV. Scanning electron microscopy characterization indicates that the variation of the optical band gap is attributed to the competition between amorphous and crystalline forms of ZnO. The mechanism of reversible optical band gap tuning is discussed.

► The ZnO optical band gap blue-shifts with hydrogen plasma treatment.
► The ZnO optical band gap red-shifts with oxygen plasma treatment.
► The ZnO optical band gap can be reversibly fine-tuned.