Dopant induced polarity inversion in polar ZnO nanorods

Highly oriented and polarity controlled ZnO nanorod thin films are deposited by chemical bath deposition where the preferred polarity depends on the anionic nature of the Zn salt. Significant differences are noticed in magnesium (Mg) doping concentration on Zn- and O-polar ZnO nanorods. Higher doping concentration is achieved in Zn polar nanorods, which is characterized with different spectroscopic techniques. A noteworthy contribution in morphological changes is noted upon by Mg doping on both Zn- and O-polar ZnO nanorods. Polarity inversion of the individual nanorods are found at certain doping condition, characterized by chemical etching rate measurements and Schottky Barrier Height determination of the individual nanorod.