Relation between In ion ordering and crystal structure variation in homologous compounds InMO3(ZnO)m (M = Al and In; m = integer)

Formation of crystalline InGaO₃(ZnO)n nanowires via the solid-phase diffusion process using a solution-based precursor

One-dimensional single crystalline InGaO3(ZnO)n (IGZO) nanostructures have great potential for various electrical and optical applications. This paper demonstrates for the first time, to our knowledge, a non-vacuum route for the synthesis of IGZO nanowires by annealing ZnO nanowires covered with solution-based IGZO precursor. This method results in nanowires with highly periodic IGZO superlattice structure. The phase transition of IGZO precursor during thermal treatment was systematically studied. Transmission electron microscopy studies reveal that the formation of the IGZO structure is driven by anisotropic inter-diffusion of In, Ga, and Zn atoms, and also by the crystallization of the IGZO precursor. Optical measurements using cathodoluminescence and UV-vis spectroscopy confirm that the nanowires consist of the IGZO compound with wide optical band gap and suppressed luminescence.

Multi-component transparent conducting oxides: progress in materials modelling

Transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) play an essential role in modern optoelectronic devices through their combination of electrical conductivity and optical transparency. We review recent progress in our understanding of multi-component TCOs formed from solid solutions of ZnO, In(2)O(3), Ga(2)O(3) and Al(2)O(3), with a particular emphasis on the contributions of materials modelling, primarily based on density functional theory. In particular, we highlight three major results from our work: (i) the fundamental principles governing the crystal structures of multi-component oxide structures including (In(2)O(3))(ZnO)(n) and (In(2)O(3))(m)(Ga(2)O(3))(l)(ZnO)(n); (ii) the relationship between elemental composition and optical and electrical behaviour, including valence band alignments; (iii) the high performance of amorphous oxide semiconductors. On the basis of these advances, the challenge of the rational design of novel electroceramic materials is discussed.

Rules of structure formation for the homologous InMO3(ZnO)n compounds

The formation mechanisms that lead to the layered M-modulated InMO3(ZnO){n} structures (M=In, Ga, and Al; n=integer) are revealed and confirmed by first-principles calculations based on density functional theory. We show that all ground state structures of InMO3(ZnO){n} satisfy the octahedron rule for the InO2 layers; they contain an inversion domain boundary located at the M and Zn fivefold trigonal bipyramid sites and maximize the hexagonality in the (MZn{n})O{n+1} layers. They also obey the electronic octet rule. This understanding provides a solid basis for studying and understanding the physical properties of this group of homologous materials.

Short-Period Superlattice Structure of Sn-Doped In2O3(ZnO)4 and In2O3(ZnO)5 Nanowires

Two longitudinal superlattice structures of In(2)O(3)(ZnO)(4) and In(2)O(3)(ZnO)(5) nanowires were exclusively produced by a thermal evaporation method. The diameter is periodically modulated in the range of 50-90 nm. The nanowires consist of one In-O layer and five (or six) layered Zn-O slabs stacked alternately perpendicular to the long axis, with a modulation period of 1.65 (or 1.9) nm. These superlattice nanowires were doped with 6-8% Sn. The X-ray diffraction pattern reveals the structural defects of wurtzite ZnO crystals due to the In/Sn incorporation. The high-resolution X-ray photoelectron spectrum suggests that In and Sn withdraw the electrons from Zn and enhance the number of dangling-bond O 2p states, resulting in the reduction of the band gap. Photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence exhibit the peak shift of near band edge emission to the lower energy and the enhancement of green emission as the In/Sn content increases.