Growth of ZnO nanowire and its application as UV photodetector

Abstract

Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanostructures with their significant properties have various application in optoelectronics, sensor devices and energy conversion devices. This report includes deposition of ZnO film by rf reactive sputtering on glass substrate. Its analysis using XRD, FESEM and UV-VIS spectroscopy to study its morphology, crystal structure, band gap and transmittance. Further, the deposited film is taken as substrate for the growth of ZnO nanowires using Hydrothermal Method. Various parameters affecting the growth conditions like growth temperature, growth time, and precursor concentration have been studied and optimizations of reaction conditions are done. Analysis of the samples fabricated under different conditions is carried out using XRD and FESEM characterization techniques. Zinc oxide nanowires have their application as UV photodetector due to their wide band gap and high surface to volume ratio. To enhance the absorption ability, carrier concentration and photoresponse, Zinc Oxide nanowires surface is functionalized using Poly(vinyl alcohol) for the application of UV photodetector. Photoresponse and sensitivity is studied for both coated and uncoated, using I-V characterization. To analyse optical switching action under the illumination of UV light photoresponse of these nanowires is plotted with respect to the time.