Fluorescence Spectroscopy Characterization of Electrophoretically Deposited ZnO Nanoparticles on Aluminum, Silicon, and APTES Functionalized Silicon Substrates

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanopowder-based nanoparticles (NPs) with a mean diameter of less than 100 nm were mixed with synthesized electrophoretic deposition (EPD) solutions under different concentrations and deposited onto silicon (Si), 3-Aminopropyl-Triethoxysilane (APTES) functionalized silicon (APTES-Si), and aluminum (Al) substrates. The wavelength ranges and intensity of each structure's emission spectrum are determined using fluorescence spectroscopy. We will describe our findings considering our hypothesis that the underlying substrate conductivity and concentrations of ZnO nanoparticles in the electrophoretic deposition solutions are significant components in achieving higher intensity fluorescence of ZnO thin films required for devices. This study shows that ZnO NPs with higher concentrations deposited on a conductive substrate emit higher emission intensity. The presence of visible emission spectra for ZnO NPs deposited on all three substrate types show potential for future optical device applications employing the next generation of nanoscale electronic materials.