Synthesis and properties of ZnO hexagonal prisms synthesized on MgO-coated Si (111) substrates

ZnO hexagonal prisms have grown on MgO-coated Si (111) substrates by chemical vapor deposition. The process has two steps : the preparation of MgO-coated Si (111) substrates and the preparation of uniform ZnO hexagonal prisms. Some nucleation sites are provided on the Si substrates by the MgO layers, which have the capability to improve the growth of ZnO prisms in the heteroepitaxy. The prisms are single crystals with a preferential growth along the c axis and they are well-faceted at both the end and side surfaces. Room-temperature photoluminescence measurement of these ZnO prisms have shown a strong ultraviolet (UV) emission band centered at 393 nm and a weak green emission band centered at 507 nm, which may be provide an improvement in novel ultraviolet light-emitting devices. In addition, a possible mechanism for the prism growth is proposed based on the analysis by electron microscopy.

► A large scale of hexagonal prisms have been fabricated in a simple approach.
► The MgO layer prepared on the Si substrate improve the growth of ZnO prisms.
► ZnO prisms may be provide an improvement in ultraviolet light-emitting devices.
► The two-step process is a cost-effective approach for growing high quality prisms.