Controlling growth rate anisotropy for formation of continuous ZnO thin films from seeded substrates

• Published in: Nanotechnology Vol. 24; no. 19; p. 195603
• Main Authors: Zhang, R H, Slamovich, E B, Handwerker, C A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol IOP Publishing 17.05.2013; Institute of Physics
• Subjects: Chemical synthesis methods; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Growth from solutions; Materials science; Methods of crystal growth; physics of crystal growth; Methods of nanofabrication; Nanocrystalline materials; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Physics; Solid surfaces and solid-solid interfaces; Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties); Crystal growth; Zinc nitrate; Growth rate; High density; Polycrystals; Crystal seeds; Thin films; Nanoparticles; Transparent thin film; Lamellar structure; Chlorides; Crystal growth from solutions; Zinc oxide; Absorption spectra; Optical films; Crystal morphology; Nanomaterial synthesis; pH value; Active layer; Lateral growth; Layer thickness; Operating conditions; Hydrolysis; Hydrothermal synthesis; Adsorption; Anisotropy; Ligands; Arrays; Nanostructured materials; Gates

Solution-processed zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films are promising candidates for low-temperature-processable active layers in transparent thin film electronics. In this study, control of growth rate anisotropy using ZnO nanoparticle seeds, capping ions, and pH adjustment leads to a low-temperature (90 °...