ZnO nanorods： morphology control, optical properties, and nanodevice applications

Research interest in ZnO nanostructures derives from their excellent luminescent properties and availability of low cost fabri- cating and processing, which hold promise for the development of electronic and optoelectronic nanodevices. In this review, we focus on the progress in synthesis, properties and nanodevices of ZnO nanorod （NR） arrays and nanotetrapods （NTPs）. Re- cent work done by the authors are also presented. After a brief introduction to the controlled fabrication methods for the high- ly-ordered ZnO NR arrays and NTPs, we present some aspects of the fundamental properties, especially optical performance, of ZnO NRs/NTPs. Then, we provide an overview of the applications to functional nanodevices based on individual NR and NTP of ZnO. It is demonstrated that different morphologies of ZnO nanostructures have salient effects on their properties and applications. Although much progress has been achieved in the fundamental and applied investigations of ZnO NRs/NTPs over the past decade, many obstacles still remain, hampering further development in this field. Finally, some longstanding problems that warrant further investigation are addressed.