Abstract
The optical properties of ZnO nanowires containing defects are investigated using first-principles density-functional theory incorporating the formalism. Calculations include defects in the form of substitutional N, Zn, and O vacancies as well as charged O vacancy. Our calculations reveal that the presence of vacancies contribute strongly to optical absorption in the visible. Furthermore, the presence of charged O vacancy is found to result in a blueshift of the absorption peaks, reducing the number of wavelengths that can be absorbed in the visible. These findings can be a useful tool for the design of new generation of materials with improved solar radiation absorption.
- Received 15 July 2009
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.80.195314
©2009 American Physical Society