Growth and microstructural study of CuO covered ZnO nanorods

A feasible method to synthesize CuO covered ZnO nanorods was realized. Firstly, ZnO nanorods were grown by wet-chemical route at 90 °C onto borosilicate glass substrates. Subsequently, the CuO covered ZnO matrix was obtained by Aerosol-Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition at different temperatures (300, 400, 500 and 600 °C). The CuO–ZnO nanocrystals were microstructurally characterized by electron microscopy and Rietveld refinement. Results showed a CuO formed nanocrystals but also an amorphous fraction of CuO which increases with the synthesis temperature. Additionally, it was evident the presence of secondary copper-oxide phase (paramelaconite), which also has grown over the ZnO nanorod surface.

► Successful synthesis of CuO covered ZnO nanorods is reported.
► They were synthesized by a combination of chemical bath and Aerosol-Assisted CVD.
► Detailed characterization by Rietveld method and electron microscopy was performed.