Fabrication of three-layered ZnO-CuO-SnO2 hybrid nanostructures n-p-n hetero-junctions

Three-layered ZnO-CuO-SnO2 hybrid nanostructures n-p-n hetero-junctions were synthesized for the first time by 3-step chemical vapor deposition on SiO/Si substrates. Starting materials made of Cu, Zn and Sn powder mixed with carbon charcoal were heated at various temperatures and pressures under atmosphere of O2 and Ar. The prepared samples were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), X-rays photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), and I-V characteristic curves. The results reveals the formation of CuO hollow microspheres with branching lines, ZnO nanowires, and SnO2 nanorods in which establish the three layers of the hetero-junctions. I-V characteristics exhibit rectifying behavior of hetero-layered semiconductors.