Solution processed Al-doped ZnO nanostructures

We report the wet-chemical synthesis of Al-doped ZnO thin films, powders, and nanorod arrays. Solid state ²⁷Al NMR studies on powder samples confirm the incorporation of the Al ions in the tetrahedral Zn sites in the structure. The degree of Al incorporation is dependent on the amine type used in the precursor solution and the heating profile prior to calcination. The degree of crystal alignment in thin films, determined by X-ray diffraction studies, is also influenced by the dopant level and the heating profile.