Green light emitting oxygen deficient ZnO forks, brooms and spheres

ZnO forks, brooms and spheres possessing self assembled nanowalls and nanocones of ZnO were synthesized, for the first time, via direct thermal evaporation of metallic Zn flakes. The samples exhibit visible green emission on UV excitation. EDX point towards oxygen deficient sample. Photoluminescence studies confirm the presence of defect related emission. The sharp nanocone tips and high degree of networking of nanowalls make them a potential candidate for field emission, gas sensing and catalytic applications. (C) 2009 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.