Characteristics of zinc oxide nanorods synthesized by low power DC thermal plasma

The synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanorods using low power DC thermal plasma were successfully performed. Several tests were conducted using X-ray uorescence, a particle size analyzer, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diraction and transmission electron microscopy. The diameter of ZnO nanorods varies from 43 nm to 200 nm, which can be seen from SEM images, and their length varies from 160 nm to 1000 nm. These nanopowders are rod shaped, as can be seen from TEM images. The XRD data shows a sharp peak at 36.21, which indicates a good crystal growth and agrees well with JCPDS card no. 36-1451. The eects of electrical current variations of 20, 25 and 30 Amperes to the size of ZnO nanorods are also indicated from aspect ratios of about 8.27, 8.44 and 8.81, respectively. The ultraviolet absorption test results show that the ZnO nanorods can absorb UV with absorbance ranges of 300 nm and 340 nm wave lengths; the peak being at the wave length of 311 nm. The photoluminescence test conrms that the ZnO spectra are in blue emission with an optimum excitation wavelength of 240 nm. It can be concluded that this method is well proven in synthesizing high purity compound ZnO nanorods, with UV-blocking ability and good luminescence