Preparation and characterization of Mg-doped ZnO nanorods

Semiconducting zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods can convert optical, mechanical, and thermal energy into electrical energy. The present study investigates the effect of Mg doping concentration on ZnO:Mg. The thermoelectric effect of ZnO:Mg is investigated at various temperatures. The Mg doping concentration during nanorod growth was varied to obtain various sizes of ZnO:Mg nanorods. The doping concentration was strongly positively correlated with growth. The results of tests show that turn-on voltages and average resistances at 50-120 degrees C were significantly better than those at room temperature (22 C). Resistances of 211.0-302.1 M Omega were obtained at 100-120 degrees C. It was found that Mg has a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) effect on turn-on voltages and average resistance performance. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.