Fast Growth of High Work Function and High-Quality ZnO Nanorods from an Aqueous Solution

A fast preparation process for high-quality as-grown ZnO nanorods by electrodeposition from an aqueous solution of Zn(NO 3 ) 2 and NH 4 NO 3 at 75 °C was established. The vertical growth rate of the ZnO nanorods was enhanced with an increase in the NH 4 NO 3 concentration. The NH 3 adsorbed on the ZnO nanorods’ surface results in a higher work function without a significant effect on the nanorods’ optical qualities. The use of NH 4 NO 3 leads to an increase in ZnO nanorods’ mobility while maintaining the carrier density constant. The increase of mobility is ascribed to a decrease of the dislocation and point defects inside grains owing to both fast growth rate and excess OH − generation.