Synthesis and Characterization of Luminescent ZnO with Microstructural Control (Phase 2)

This project focuses on the controlled synthesis of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles for applications in photonics and optoelectronics, aiming to overcome limitations associated with materials like GaN. The primary goal is to obtain ZnO crystals with defined purity, size, and morphology, leveraging its superior properties such as high exciton binding energy (60 meV) and a band-gap of approximately 3.37 eV. The vapor phase synthesis method is employed, recognized as flexible and effective for the nanoscale, involving simple evaporation of Zn followed by direct oxidation. The key approach is the precise control of the system's thermodynamic and kinetic conditions, including the temperature of the electric tubular furnace, the temperature distribution geometry, and the injection rates of carrier (N2) and oxidizing (O2) gases. Thorough control over these operational parameters allows for directing the formation towards specific morphologies, such as tetrapods (T-ZnO), which are perfect and stable crystals. The project scope includes the structural, morphological, and size-dependent analysis of the resulting crystals' quality, alongside the characterization of their luminescent properties.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To synthesize ZnO particles with controlled luminescent properties, morphology, and size, using the simple evaporation and direct oxidation method of Zn, while strictly controlling the thermodynamic growth conditions.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Modeling and simulation applied to industry