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In Situ Surface Photovoltage Spectroscopy of ZnO Nanopowders Processed by Remote Plasma

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2011

Raul M. Peters ,
Stephen P. Glancy ,
J. Antonio Paramo  and
Yuri M. Strzhemechny
Raul M. Peters
Affiliation:
R.M.Peters@tcu.edu, Texas Christian University, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
Stephen P. Glancy
Affiliation:
sglancy@trinity.edu, Trinity University, Department of Engineering Science, San Antonio, Texas, United States
J. Antonio Paramo
Affiliation:
antonio.paramo@tcu.edu, Texas Christian University, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
Yuri M. Strzhemechny
Affiliation:
Y.Strzhemechny@tcu.edu, Texas Christian University, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Fort Worth, Texas, United States
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Abstract

In many instances the quality of the surface in ZnO nanoscale systems is a key performance-defining parameter. The surface itself could be a very significant source of lattice defects as well as contaminating impurities, and this influence may extend into the sub-surface vicinity. In our work, key element of the surface analysis is the surface photovoltage (SPV) spectroscopy known for its advantages, such as: identification of conduction vs. valence band nature of the defect-related transitions and the defect level positions within the band gap, ability to measure relatively low densities of surface defects as well as their cross sections. Additional information can be obtained from the SPV transient measurements. In our system, SPV characterization is run in high vacuum, complemented by in situ remote plasma treatment. This combination of surface-sensitive and surface-specific tools is well-suited for studying surface properties with a high degree of reliability since there is no exposure to common air contaminants between processing and characterization cycles. We employed O/He remote plasma treatments of ZnO nanocrystalline surfaces. In situ SPV spectra and transient measurements of the as-received and processed samples revealed, on the one hand, a number of common spectral features in different ZnO nanopowder specimens, and, on the other hand, a noticeable plasma-driven changes in the surface defect properties, as well as in the overall electronic and optical surface characteristics.

Keywords

surface reactiondefectsnanostructure
Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 1201: Symposium H – Zinc Oxide and Related Materials-2009 , 2009 , 1201-H03-03
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2010

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