Abstract

Zinc oxide is an important II-VI semiconductor and ZnO nanowires have great potential in photovoltaic applications. In this article, we attempt to review the general synthetic strategies, doping and photovoltaic applications for ZnO nanowires. We first summarize various growth techniques of ZnO nanowires. Subsequently, we discuss mechanisms involved to generate ZnO nanowires from different synthetic schemes and conditions. Finally, we review the doping and photovoltaic applications of ZnO nanowires.

Keywords: ZnO nanowire, growth, synthetic strategy, growth method, growth mechanism, p-type, doping, photovoltaic application, solar cell, nanoelectronics