Investigation of Zinc Oxide Nanostructures Prepared by Chemical Deposition and Rapid Photo-Thermal Processing Technology

A novel and efficient low-temperature aqueous chemical method has been used to synthesize a new generation of smart and functional zinc oxide nanomaterials. The ZnO nanostructures are obtained and the physical and structural requirements of their applications in chemical sensors and solar cells are analyzed. Post-growth rapid photothermal annealing of nanostructures at 650degC in an atmosphere of N₂ leads to the decrease in structure defects as compared to the as-grown nanostructures. The sensing behaviour of the nanostructured elements when exposed to 100 ppm ammonia is investigated.