Spatially selective patterning of zinc oxide precursor solution by inkjet printing

Spatially selective patterning of zinc oxide (ZnO) thin film was achieved by inkjet printing of ZnO sol-gel precursor. Factors affecting inkjet printed patterns including ink formulation and process parameters were investigated and are discussed in this paper. The morphologies of inkjet printed ZnO patterns were affected by the `coffee ring´ effect, is depend on the evaporation rate, surface tension and ink droplet volume. This surface morphology would further influent the growth of ZnO nanorods while inkjet printed ZnO patterns were employed as seed layer. Crystalline ZnO nanorods were selectively grew on inkjet printed ZnO seed layer which diameters were affected by morphology of underlying printed patterns.