Nanofiller graphene–ZnO hybrid nanoarchitecture: optical, electrical and optoelectronic investigation

Abstract

We report the sonochemical synthesis of a hybrid nanoarchitecture composed of vertically aligned arrays of ZnO nanorods (diameter ∼80 nm and length ∼1 μm) and a few atomic layers of arc discharge prepared graphene. High resolution FESEM images demonstrated that graphene layers have successfully been embedded in between the ZnO nanorod arrays (NRAs). Raman spectra of the hybrid nanomaterial exhibited D, G and 2D Raman fingerprints of graphene and ZnO (E₂) modes at 437 cm⁻¹ which confirmed the formation of a ZnO–graphene hybrid nanomaterial. The ZnO–graphene hybrid nanomaterial exhibits intense broad room temperature photoluminescence. Using graphene as a nanofiller considerably enhanced the electrical conductivity of the ZnO NRAs and the hybrid material exhibits a semi-metallic behaviour. Photoconductivity of the hybrid nanosystem has also been investigated which strengthens its candidature as a potential hybrid nanomaterial with optoelectronic synergy between its components.