Nanoindentation and photoluminescence characterization of ZnO thin films and single crystals

In this work an optical and micromechanical properties of ZnO films deposited on glass by simple method based on the mechanoactivated oxidation have been investigated and compared with those of bulk ZnO single crystal and commercial ZnO films. Results showed that investigated ZnO films have stable high adhesion with glass and can form grained structure with hardness 8–10 GPa or whiskers nanostructure with high hardness 18–20 GPa. Young’s modulus is in range from 80 to 120 GPa. Optical properties of obtained ZnO films with whiskers structure are typical for transparent high quality ZnO single crystal. These coatings also exhibit a photo-electric response which reflects on the change in resistivity.