Investigation of the Etching Time and NaOH Concentration Effects on the Optoelectronic Properties of ZnO Nanorods

ZnO-based nanostructures, one dimensional ones (nanorods) have received great attention, due to their unique properties such as low reaction temperature, ease of scaling up, economic and facile synthesis. In this study, we report the preparation of ZnO nanorods by hydrothermal method and the dynamics of their chemical etching under different concentrations of NaOH. The characterization was carried out using X-ray diffraction, scanning electronic microscopy and photoluminescence. Thus, the study provides an investigation of the etching time and concentration effects on the optoelectronic properties. We found that all etching conditions are causing a remarkable proportional changes on the materials photonics as it is mainly changing the surface and creating defects. Hence, this study exhibits distinct advantages for optoelectronic devices.