Rational design of ordered Bi/ZnO nanorod arrays: surface modification, optical energy band alteration and switchable wettability study

Surface modification and wetting state transformation of ZnO based nanomaterials have been extensively investigated due to their substantial roles in current industrial applications. In this work, we demonstrated the formation highly crystalline ordered Bi/ZnO nanorods arrays (Bi/ZNRs) grown on FTO substrate via a feasible hydrothermal method, as function reaction time (t). The lateral diameter nanostructures were found increased from 23 nm 43 when 30 min 90 min. An in-depth analysis incisive mechanism crystal growth under proposed. defect which originated different Bi incorporation pathways has declared main factor altering optical energy, electrical properties band structure Bi/ZNRs. Bi/ZNRs showed higher localize 14.5 pA compared pristine ZNRs an 6V applied bias condition, revealing nature pentavalent dopant that contributed density free electron. Additionally, also revealed red shifted energy gap exhibit transition hydrophobic hydrophilic textured surface. novel reported herein interesting physical for fabrication high performance optoelectronic devices.