Low-temperature hydrothermal synthesis of ZnO nanosheet using organic/inorganic composite as seed layer

Zinc oxide (ZnO) and Al-doped zinc oxide (AZO) nanorods were hydrothermally synthesized at low temperature using an organic/inorganic composite seed layer. The ZnO and AZO films had a sheet-like structure when ethanol was used as a solvent. The thickness of ZnO nanosheets can be controlled from 450 nm to 5.0 μm by altering the concentration of a zinc source in a growth solution. The ZnO and AZO nanosheets have a flat surface and high transparency (more than 90%) of visible light.

Graphical abstractA highly transparent conductive ZnO and AZO nanosheet was synthesized by a seeding method at low temperature .Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Highly transparent conductive ZnO and AZO nanosheets were synthesized by a seeding method at low temperature. ► Zn/SDS composite was used as seed layer for the nanosheets growth. ► The nanosheets are highly oriented at the c-axis direction. ► The thickness and resistivity of nanosheets can be controlled by hydrothermal condition.