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Numerical Simulation of the Growth of ZnO Nanostructures in a Tube Furnace by Physical Vapour Deposition

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2011

Sharvari Dalal
Affiliation:
[email protected], University of Cambridge, Electrical Engineering, 9 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB1 2XL, United Kingdom
Federico Gallo
Affiliation:
[email protected], Ravensworth Gardens, Cambridge, CB1 2XL, United Kingdom
Andrew J Flewitt
Affiliation:
[email protected], University of Cambridge, Electrical Engineering, 9 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0FA, United Kingdom
William I Milne
Affiliation:
[email protected], University of Cambridge, Electrical Engineering, 9 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0FA, United Kingdom
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Abstract

Zinc oxide is a versatile II-VI naturally n-type semiconductor that exhibits piezoelectric properties. By controlling the growth kinetics during a simple carbothermal reduction process a wide range of 1D nanostructures such as nanowires, nanobelts, and nanotetrapods have been synthesized. The driving force for the nanostructure growth is the Zn vapour supersaturation and supply rate which, if known, can be used to predict and explain the type of crystal structure that results. A model which attempts to determine the Zn vapour concentration as a function of position in the growth furnace is described. A numerical simulation package, COMSOL, was used to simultaneously model the effects of fluid flow, diffusion and heat transfer in a tube furnace made specifically for ZnO nanostructure growth. Parameters such as the temperature, pressure, and flow rate are used as inputs to the model to show the effect that each one has on the Zn concentration profile. An experimental parametric study of ZnO nanostructure growth was also conducted and compared to the model predictions for the Zn concentration in the tube.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2008

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