Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of ZnO nanohelices

Sb-doped zinc oxide nanohelices were synthesized on silicon substrates by chemical vapor deposition. The morphologies and structures of the samples have been investigated by XRD, SEM, and HR-TEM. The ZnO nanohelices have a single crystallinewurtzite structure. Its length is up to tens of micrometres as a whole. It grows in the direction of (0001). There are six sticks in each period of the helices, which grow al-ong six directions of the equivalent $⟨0\overline{1}11⟩$. In addition, its growth mechanism is discussed. Optical properties of the nanohelices were demonstrated by Photo-luminescence (PL) spectra. (paper)