Structural, Optical, and Electronic Properties of ZnO Nanoparticles Formed on Al2O3 Substrates by Using Spin Coating and Thermal Treatment

Abstract

ZnO nanoparticles were formed on Al2O3 (0001) substrates by using a Spin coating and thermal treatment method. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that ZnO nanoparticles were formed on the Al2O3 substrates. X-ray diffraction patterns showed that ZnO nanoparticles annealed at 350 and 450 degrees C had a strong c-axis orientation and that those annealed at 550 degrees C had various orientations. Photoluminescence spectra for the ZnO nanoparticles formed on Al2O3 substrates showed that the dominant emission peak related to the band edge transitions was shifted to higher energy with increasing annealing temperature. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy profiles showed O is and the Zn 2p peaks corresponding to the ZnO nanoparticles.