Abstract
Heterostructured ZnO:S/ZnO (S-doped ZnO ribbon with ZnO nanoteeth) nanosaws were synthesized by a one-step catalyst-free process through the chemical vapour transport and condensation method. Optimum selectivity and maximum nanosaw densities are obtained for growth temperatures in the range 400-450 degrees C. Our study suggests that the ribbons were ZnO : S while the teeth were only ZnO. Nanorods, nanoairplane, nanobelts and smooth surface nanotip-like structures were also obtained in our experiment at different growth temperatures. The photoluminescence spectrum of the nanosaws showed a strong visible emission band compared with undoped ZnO powder at room temperature. This strong visible emission in the hetrostructured nanosaws might be useful as a future UV-excited phosphor for producing bright and broad visible-wavelength light.