Effects of ultraviolet treatment on the optical and structural properties of ZnO nanoparticles

This study investigates the effect of ultraviolet treatment on the structural and optical properties of the ZnO nanoparticles by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and photoluminescence measurements. A dependence of the luminescence behavior and crystal structure upon ultraviolet treatment has been found. It is shown that ultraviolet treatment may lead to the formation of surface oxygen vacancies, producing hydroxyl adsorption. The surface modification may lead to transition from hydrophobic (low surface energy) to hydrophilic (high surface energy) state, resulting in uniform distribution of the ZnO nanoparticles on the substrate.

► A dependence of the luminescence behavior upon ultraviolet treatment was found. ► A dependence of the crystal structure upon ultraviolet treatment was found. ► Ultraviolet treatment led to the uniform distribution of the ZnO nanoparticles.