Hysteretic I–V nature of ethanol adsorbed ZnO nanorods

Observation of hysteresis like I–V characteristics of ethanol adsorbed ZnO nanorod is reported. Lithographically defined gold contacts were used for electrical measurements. Prolonged exposure of ZnO nanorod in ethanol adversely affects the electrical property of ZnO nanorod due to ethanol adsorbed in deep surface traps. It produces hysteresis like I–V nature in ZnO nanorods at low applied fields. This hysteresis like property of ethanol adsorbed ZnO provides a wide scope to explore further about the sensing and non-volatile switching properties of ZnO nanorod. [Display omitted] •Two terminal devices of solution synthesized ZnO nanorod using gold contacts fabricated.•An usual hysteretic I–V characteristic has been observed from the ZnO nanorod devices.•Low to high conductivity switching with respect to applied field is demonstrated.•The effect of adsorbed ethanol on hysteresis effect is explained.