title: Growth of arrays of Al-doped ZnO nanocones by pulsed laser deposition.
abstract: Arrays of aligned Al-doped ZnO nanocones have been synthesized by pulsed laser deposition following excimer laser ablation of a ceramic ZnO target containing 2% Al(2)O(3) (by weight). The elemental composition, microstructural and optical properties of the products were examined by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy, electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and room temperature photoluminescence measurements. The incident laser fluence was identified as a key parameter in nanocone formation. Their tapered morphologies and small tip diameters (approximately 5 nm) suggest that Al-doped ZnO nanocones could find application as field emitters and as a gas sensing material.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, UK.
authors.forename: Ye
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Katherine E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Addison
authors.forename: Michael N R
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Ashfold