Modulating the morphology of ZnO nanorod arrays on SiO_x-mask-patterned GaN template

Highly ordered vertically aligned ZnO nanorod arrays are fabricated via a recyclable SiO_x-mask-patterned GaN template by hydrothermal method. The morphology of ZnO nanorods can be modulated, and the mechanism is studied for the first time. The modulation depends on the nucleation state, which can be tuned by varying PH value through adding ammonia. Tight contact is observed between a monolayer graphene and the smooth surface of the arrays due to the uniform height and horizontal c-plane of nanorods. The ZnO nanorod arrays are characterized by XRD and Room-temperature PL.