Electrical and optical properties of graphite/ZnO nanorods heterojunctions

Graphite/ZnO nanorods heterojunctions were prepared by hydrothermal growth and deposition of colloidal graphite. The electrical properties of these heterojunctions were investigated at different temperatures by measuring their current–voltage (I–V) and capacitance–voltage (C–V) characteristics. The basic electrical parameters of the graphite-based junctions were estimated from I–V and C–V measurements. It was found that the I–V characteristics of the graphite/ZnO nanorods heterojunctions can be well described by a tunnel-recombination current transport mechanism via interface states. These nanostructured heterojunctions showed promising rectifying and gas sensing properties. The obtained results represent a good starting point for further development of nanostructured heterojunction diodes and gas sensors.