Ultraviolet-emitting javelin-like ZnO nanorods by thermal evaporation: Growth mechanism, structural and optical properties

Highly crystalline aligned javelin-like ZnO nanorods have been synthesized, for the first time, by thermal evaporation method. The as-grown nanorods have been made by the assembling of two pieces of ZnO nanorods, i.e. hexagonal-shaped nanorods and inverted nanocones which are connected to each other in such a manner that the shaft of the nanocones is attached to the upper portion of the hexagonal nanorod and forms a javelin-like ZnO nanorod. Most importantly, the as-grown nanorods exhibit only a sharp and strong UV emission at 381 nm, confirming an excellent optical property and showing excellent photoluminescent application potential.