Electrodeposition from ZnO nano-rods to nano-sheets with only zinc nitrate electrolyte and its photoluminescence

This very paper focuses on the synthesis of ZnO nano-structures by means of electro-chemical-deposition process. The crystalline structure and morphologies of the prepared ZnO were characterized with X-ray diffraction and scanning electronic microscopy, respectively. It is found that in case of low Zn(NO3)2·6H2O electrolyte concentration the fast growth mode in the c-axis direction leaded to the formation of 1D nanostructure of ZnO. On the other hand, at high concentration, this fast growth mode was restricted because the absorbed NO3− on (0 0 0 1) plane would bond with Zn2+ ions, which, therefore, resulted in the formation of 2D nanostructure of ZnO. Room temperature photoluminescence performances of different ZnO structures were also investigated. A blue shift of 15 nm for ZnO nano-sheets has been found as the shapes of ZnO evolved from nano-rods to nano-sheets.

► ZnO nano-sheets can be evolved from ZnO nano-rods on ITO glass substrates by using electro-chemical-deposition process in the sole Zn(NO3)2·6H2O electrolyte without any capping agents used. ► An electrolyte concentration-induced growth mechanism has been discussed. ► Room temperature photoluminescence properties of ZnO nanostructures are investigated.