Surface-induced p-type conductivity in ZnO nanopillars investigated by scanning probe microscopy

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) characterizations were performed on nonintentionally doped n-type ZnO nanopillars (NPs) embedded in a polymer matrix. Transport properties investigations using scanning capacitance microscopy revealed local p-type space charge regions spreading over the outer shell of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied physics 2010-06, Vol.107 (12)
Main Authors: Latu-Romain, E., Gilet, P., Chevalier, N., Mariolle, D., Bertin, F., Feuillet, G., Perillat-Merceroz, G., Ferret, P., Levy, F., Muret, P., Chelnokov, A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Condensed Matter
Materials Science
Physics
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Summary:Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) characterizations were performed on nonintentionally doped n-type ZnO nanopillars (NPs) embedded in a polymer matrix. Transport properties investigations using scanning capacitance microscopy revealed local p-type space charge regions spreading over the outer shell of the polymer-coated ZnO NP. Correlatively, different electrical behaviors were found for the core and shell parts of the NPs using scanning spreading resistance microscopy. From SPM imaging at various voltage biases and local I-V curves, an electrical transport analysis was carried out based on surface states arising from the surrounding environment. Surface barrier potential inducing p-type conductivity in polymer-coated ZnO NPs was discussed and estimated to amount to several hundreds of milli-electron-volt. As a further consequence a critical diameter under which full p-type conductivity occurs in the NPs was demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally.
ISSN:0021-8979
1089-7550
DOI:10.1063/1.3436596