Growth structure property relationships and multifunctional applications of zinc oxide nanorods

ZnO nanorods (ZnO NRs) are some of the most significant one-dimensional oxide nanostructures because they have a broad direct band gap, a high exciton binding energy, are chemically stable, have a massive surface area, and are piezoelectric. These qualities make them extremely useful for devices that use light, sensors, photo-catalysts, solar cells, field emission, and self-powered devices. This paper critically evaluates current advancements in the synthesis, characteristics, and uses of ZnO NRs, focusing on the influence of growth methodology on morphology, crystallinity, defect architecture, alignment, and device efficacy. We compare different synthesis methods, such as microwave-assisted growth, thermal evaporation, sonochemical synthesis, metal-organic chemical vapor deposition, vapor-liquid-solid growth, hydrothermal processing, and chemical bath deposition. We look at things like growth temperature, substrate compatibility, catalyst requirements, scalability, defect control, and whether they are beneficial for aligned architectures. The study also links these synthesis-dependent traits to the optical, electrical, and surface characteristics that light emitters, photo-detectors, photovoltaic devices, photo-catalysts, field-effect transistors, sensors, field emitters, and piezoelectric nano generators need. It ends by outlining the primary problems that make it costly to put into practice, such as controlling defects, making devices that work consistently, and needing standardized synthesis-structure-property-performance linkages.