Photoluminescence of monolithic zinc oxide aerogel synthesised by dispersed inorganic sol–gel method

Abstract

Zinc oxide aerogels possess significantly potential applications in gas sensors, photocatalysis, and photodetector. In this regard, monolithic zinc oxide aerogel was prepared successfully by using the dispersed inorganic sol–gel method (DIS method) combined with a furnace calcining in mixed atmosphere of 500°C. With subsequent thermal treatment in selected atmospheres and designed heating program, the aerogel is featured with high porosity, large specific area (177 m² g⁻¹) and narrow particle sizes distribution. The photoluminescence spectrum (PL) with no temperature dependent shifts of the maximum of the spectral PL intensity concerning the zinc oxide aerogel being investigated suggests that it is relative to the structural and optical properties. In summary, the attractive properties of the zinc oxide aerogel expound the potentially optical and optoelectronic applications of ZnO nanostructures.

Keywords:

• ZnO aerogel
• Sol–gel
• Microstructure
• Photoluminescence

Acknowledgements

Financial support is provided by the science and technology development foundation of China Academy of Engineering Physics (20110302059, 2012A0302015, 2012B0302050, 2013B0302051). The authors are grateful to Research Center of Laser Fusion, China Academy of Engineering Physics for providing instruments.