https://chemistry.beloit.edu/classes/nanotech/ZnO/mattoday10_05_40.pdf

ZnO - nanostructures, defects, and devices

This Review focuses on recent developments in the use of ZnO nanostructures for dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) applications. It is shown that carefully designed and fabricated nanostructured ZnO films are advantageous for use as a DSC photoelectrode as they offer larger surface areas than bulk film material, direct electron pathways, or effective light-scattering centers, and, when combined with TiO2, produce a core–shell structure that reduces the combination rate. The limitations of ZnO-based DSCs are also discussed and several possible methods are proposed so as to expand the knowledge of ZnO to TiO2, motivating further improvement in the power-conversion efficiency of DSCs.

https://depts.washington.edu/solgel/documents/pub_docs/journal_docs/2009/advanced_material2009.pdf

ZnO Nanostructures for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Existing defect models for ${\mathrm{In}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ and ZnO are inconclusive about the origin of conductivity, nonstoichiometry, and coloration. We apply systematic corrections to first-principles calculated formation energies $\ensuremath{\Delta}H$, and validate our theoretical defect model against measured defect and carrier densities. We find that (i) intrinsic acceptors (``electron killers'') have a high $\ensuremath{\Delta}H$ explaining high $n$-dopability, (ii) intrinsic donors (``electron producers'') have either a high $\ensuremath{\Delta}H$ or deep levels, and do not cause equilibrium-stable conductivity, (iii) the O vacancy ${V}_{\mathrm{O}}$ has a low $\ensuremath{\Delta}H$ leading to O deficiency, and (iv) ${V}_{\mathrm{O}}$ has a metastable shallow state, explaining the paradoxical coexistence of coloration and conductivity.

Dopability, intrinsic conductivity, and nonstoichiometry of transparent conducting oxides.

This Feature Article gives an overview of microwave-assisted liquid phase routes to inorganic nanomaterials. Whereas microwave chemistry is a well-established technique in organic synthesis, its use in inorganic nanomaterials' synthesis is still at the beginning and far away from having reached its full potential. However, the rapidly growing number of publications in this field suggests that microwave chemistry will play an outstanding role in the broad field of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. This article is not meant to give an exhaustive overview of all nanomaterials synthesized by the microwave technique, but to discuss the new opportunities that arise as a result of the unique features of microwave chemistry. Principles, advantages and limitations of microwave chemistry are introduced, its application in the synthesis of different classes of functional nanomaterials is discussed, and finally expected benefits for nanomaterials' synthesis are elaborated.

Microwave chemistry for inorganic nanomaterials synthesis

Several hundred thousands of tons of ZnO are used by per year, e.g. as an additive to concrete or to rubber. In the field of optoelectronics, ZnO holds promises as a material for a blue/UV optoelectronics, alternatively to GaN, as a cheap, transparent, conducting oxide, as a material for electronic circuits, which are transparent in the visible or for semiconductor spintronics. The main problem is presently, however, a high, reproducible and stable p-doping. We review in this contribution partly critically the material growth, fundamental properties of ZnO and of ZnO-based nanostructures, doping as well as present and future applications, with emphasis on the electronic and optical properties including stimulated emission. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

ZnO : From basics towards applications

http://atarazanas.sci.uma.es/docs/articulos/16603977.pdf

M. Mollar

Papers

Effect of aluminium doping on zinc oxide thin films grown by spray pyrolysis

Structural, electrical and optical properties of ZnO thin films deposited by sol-gel method

Nanocolumnar ZnO films for photovoltaic applications

Optical properties of thin films of ZnO prepared by pulsed laser deposition

Synthesis of ZnCdO thin films by electrodeposition