Synthesis, characterization and room temperature photoluminescence properties of Al doped ZnO nanorods

Zinc oxide nanorods with different Al doping contents were prepared by the hydrothermal method from zinc chloride solution and aluminum chloride solution assisted by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in this paper. The effects of Al doping on the structural characteristics and optical properties of the nanorods were studied. The morphology and microstructure of as-synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra, Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) and UV–vis spectroscopy. The results reveal that all the products are one-dimensional rod-like nanostructures and have the high crystalline hexagonal wurtzite ZnO crystal structure. Two blue emissions located at 451 and 468 nm, and two weak green emissions located at about 484 and 493 nm are observed, and the room temperature photoluminescence (PL) mechanisms are discussed.

Graphical abstractThe effects of Al doping on the microstructures and the optical properties of ZnO nanorods with the high crystalline hexagonal wurtzite structure are reported. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Zinc oxide nanorods with different Al doping contents were prepared by the hydrothermal method. ► The aspect ratio of ZnO nanorods is sensitive to the concentration of Al:Zn. ► The emission intensity increase with increases in the aluminum doping level of the ZnO nanorods.