Indium-doped ZnO nanowires with infrequent growth orientation, rough surfaces and low-density surface traps

Indium-doped ZnO nanowires have been prepared by vapor transport deposition. With increasing In content, the growth orientation of the nanowires switches from [100] to infrequent [023] and the surface becomes rough. No surface-related exciton emission is observed in these nanowires. The results indicate that large surface-to-volume ratio, high free electron concentration, and low density of surface traps can be achieved simultaneously in ZnO nanowires via In doping. These unique properties make In-doped ZnO nanowire a potential material for photocatalysis application, which is demonstrated by the enhanced photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B.