Study the effect of functional molecule types on the surface properties of ZnO nanorods

Abstract

To better understand surface properties of ZnO nanorods, in this work, surface modification of ZnO nanorods was carried out on three types of organic molecules—ethylenediamine, sodium citrate and butanethiol. FT-IR spectra were used to characterize the surface modification of ZnO nanorods. Photoluminescence spectra and electrochemiluminescence spectra were applied to study the influence of the functional molecule structure on surface electron structures and the surface band gap of ZnO nanorods. Results indicated that the surface of ZnO nanorods may be regulated by selection of functional organic molecules. This contributes to understanding organic–inorganic interfaces and surface properties and may be useful in the design of novel multiplexing sensors or photovoltaic-hybrid materials and corrosion prevention of ZnO nanostructures.