Effect of substrate surface treatment on the hydrothermal synthesis of zinc oxide nanostructures

In this investigation, ZnO nanostructures were coated via hydrothermal process on glass substrate surfaces, which were treated by acidic and alkaline solutions. Furthermore, the ZnO structure was doped by different amounts of Al+3 ions to investigate the microstructural variation. Characteristics of the samples by XRD and SEM analyses confirmed the formation of different morphologies and various crystal sizes for the nanostructured ZnO on the substrates including nanoflower, nanorod, and nanopanel morphologies. Furthermore, XRD results showed that the Zn2+ concentration was a crucial factor in changing the grain size. EDS analysis confirmed the uniform distribution of Al dopant, while the FTIR spectra revealed the presence of Al-O and Zn-O stretching bonds in the coatings. The results confirmed that the sample, which was etched by fused NaOH had a uniform and compacted structure. Moreover, it was evident the proposed treatment and synthesis process was successful in the formation of uniform nanostructured ZnO film on the glass substrate without the requirement for seed layer deposition.

Automated summary

ZnO nanostructures were coated on glass substrate surfaces via hydrothermal process, with doping of Al+3 ions to investigate microstructural variation. XRD and SEM analyses confirmed formation of different morphologies and crystal sizes, including nanoflower, nanorod, and nanopanel structures. Results showed that etching with fused NaOH produced a uniform and compacted structure, indicating successful formation of uniform ZnO film without seed layer deposition.