ZnO nanocone arrays on self-assembled Zn2SnO4 base: synthesis, structure, growth mechanism and optical property.

ZnO nanocone arrays on self-assembled Zn2SnO4 base were successfully synthesized via a thermal evaporation method of two-step temperature-rising. The as-prepared ZnO nanocone products had a well crystalline wurzite structure with symmetry about the growth direction along [0001]. Based on the calculation of the lattice misfit between different families of crystal planes of ZnO and Zn2SnO4, Stranski-Krastanow growth mode of ZnO nanocones was proposed in which the ZnO relaxing layer plays an important role. The orientation relationship of nanocone and base was also investigated. For the optical property of this nanocones-base system, a strong green fluorescence-emission at 523 nm was detected while the Zn2SnO4 base provides a defect peak at 486 nm which broadens the green emission band.