Charge transfer-induced photoluminescence in ZnO nanoparticles

Yuhui Ma, Ting Wing Choi, Sin Hang Cheung, Yuanhang Cheng, Xiuwen Xu, Yue Min Xie, Ho Wa Li, Menglin Li, Huixia Luo, Wenjuan Zhang, Shu Kong So, Song Chen*, Sai Wing Tsang

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

55 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The quality of solution-processed zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) is often correlated with their photoluminescence (PL) spectral characteristics. However, the reported PL spectral characteristics lack consistency and remain controversial. Here we report that "defect-emission free" PL spectra can even be obtained in thin films composed of as-synthesized ZnO NPs. It is found that both the PL spectral line-shape and intensity are extremely sensitive to nitrogen and oxygen. By conducting time-dependent PL (t-PL) and photothermal deflection spectroscopy (PDS) measurements under vacuum and different gases, it is proposed that both inert (N 2 ) and reactive (O 2 ) molecules can be absorbed on the ZnO NP surface and induce charge transfer (CT). The CT states induced by N 2 are non-radiative which significantly reduces the band emission. Whereas the CT states induced by O 2 are radiative at the visible region, and the exciton transfer is efficient which increases the overall PL quantum yield. Owing to such effects, the previously reported correlation between defects and PL emission becomes questionable and needs to be revisited. Particularly, the visible emission from the ZnO NPs is proved to be facilitated by external effects, instead of direct recombination from defect states.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)8736-8743
Number of pages8
JournalNanoscale
Volume11
Issue number18
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 14 May 2019

Scopus Subject Areas

  • General Materials Science

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