Fabrication and optical properties of needle-like ZnO array by a simple hydrothermal process

A simple low temperature hydrothermal process was employed to fabricate the needle-like ZnO array in the diluted butyl amine. The microstructure, morphology and the photoluminescence property of the as-prepared products were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), field emission environment scanning electron microscope (SEM) and photoluminescence spectrum (PL). The results show that the needle-like ZnO crystals are hexagonal wurtzite monocrystal with slender figure and smooth surface. A possible growth mechanism of the needle-like ZnO array related to the diluted butyl amine is proposed. The PI, spectrum of the needle-like ZnO array shows a strong blue light emission at 437 nm and a relatively low ultraviolet emission at 377 nm. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.