High-yield growth of Ti doped ZnO nano- and microstructures by a vapor-solid method

ZnO nano- and microstructures doped with Ti have been synthetized by a vapor-solid method at 900 °C. Ti doped ZnO elongated micro- and nanostructures in forms of wires, rods, needles and pencils have been obtained in a huge concentration. A correlative study of microstructural, compositional, luminescence and surface electronic properties has been achieved assessing single structures by different techniques. The amount of ZnO in the precursor powder induces variation in the final amount of structures, as well as in their morphology and the Ti content enabling the control of functional properties, such as luminescence, of the nano- and microstructures. The driven force of the growth of the elongated structures is related to a defect induced growth assisted by screw dislocations. •Ti doped ZnO micro and nanostructures have been grown by a vapor solid method.•Effect of Ti doping on the final morphology and luminescence have been analyzed.•A correlative study of compositional, luminescence and surface properties have been performed.