Growth by thermal evaporation of Al doped ZnS elongated micro- and nanostructures and their cathodoluminescence properties

• We have obtained micro- and nanostructures of ZnS:Al by the VS method.
• Main structures are micro-columns, micro- and nanorods and nanoneedles.
• The morphology of the structures depends on the substrate and hence on the nucleation process.
• ZnS:Al cathodoluminescence spectra are dominated by near band-gap emission.
• CL and REBIC images show the distribution of extended charged defects in the structures.

Wurtzite Al doped ZnS micro- and nanostructures have been grown by an evaporation method. Thermal treatments have been performed during 2 h at a temperature of 1200 °C in a N2 overpressure environment. Columns, rods and needles are the main morphologies observed. Their structural properties have been studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Electron Backscattering Diffraction (EBSD), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Cathodoluminescence (CL) measurements of the structures show an increase of the emission related to the band edge, associated with Al doping. Correlated CL and Remote Electron Beam Induced Current (REBIC) images reveal the presence of charged planar defects and a non-uniform spatial distribution of the defect emission in the structures.

Changes in the luminescence properties of ZnS micro- and nanostructures induced by Aluminum doped are studied.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide