Optical Band Gap Estimation of ZnO Nanorods

The optical band gap energy of ZnO nanorods was estimated by different methods found in literature. These nanorods were deposited onto TiO2 covered borosilicate glass substrates by aerosol assisted chemical vapor deposition. Characterization techniques were employed to reveal the crystalline structure, surface morphology and optical properties of the sample. The analysis proved that hexagonal cross- section ZnO nanorods in the wurtzite phase were grown onto a TiO2 buffer thin film of anatase. Variations in the components of transmittance and reflectance were associated with the development of a rough surface. Such fluctuations were correlated with the equations employed to estimate the optical band gap. The different methods indicated band gap values of 3.17 to 3.24 eV. The energy band gap of 3.24 eV agrees to that reported in the literature for ZnO nanorods. Fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed the accuracy of the mathematical predictions since an emission at 380 nm (3.26 eV) was seen.