Synthesis of submicron rhombic ZnO rods via ZnOHF intermediate using electrodeposition route

ZnOHF submicron rods with the rhombus-like shape were successfully prepared by a low-temperature aqueous electrodeposition route. By further adjusting the experimental parameters including the electrolyte concentration, temperature, the electrodeposition potential, and the duration, the morphologies of ZnOHF films can further be controlled; accordingly, ZnO films with different morphologies were also obtained by calcining ZnOHF intermediate at 400 °C for 2 h. Based on the experimental results, a plausible mechanism for the conversion from ZnOHF to ZnO crystals was proposed. The surface morphology and microstructure of the products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the optical property of the samples was investigated by room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra as well. The PL spectra confirmed that ZnOHF and ZnO exhibited emission band centered at 413 nm and 382 nm in UV region, respectively.

Research highlights▶ Different morphologies of ZnOHF films have been prepared in the paper. ▶ A possible mechanism for the conversion from ZnOHF to ZnO crystals was suggested. ▶ The role of fluoride ion in the electrodeposition process has been investigated.