Al doped ZnO nanoplate arrays and microbox structures grown by thermal deposition

Abstract

Al doped ZnO arrays of nanoplates and of ordered nanoneedles have been grown by a thermal evaporation-deposition method. The nanoplates, which have mainly triangular shape. Interpenetrating triangles and crossing of the triangles with other planar arrangements form a structure consisting of arrays of microboxes. The influence of Al on the luminescence of the nanostructures has been studied by cathodoluminescence (CL) in the scanning electron microscope. Intense CL emission from the internal faces of the microboxes is related to the presence of deep level defects.