Role of Pr segregation in acceptor-state formation at ZnO grain boundaries

Phys Rev Lett. 2006 Sep 8;97(10):106802. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.97.106802. Epub 2006 Sep 5.

Abstract

The role of Pr doping on double Schottky barrier formations at ZnO single grain boundaries was investigated by the combination of current-voltage measurements, atomic-resolution Z-contrast scanning transmission electron microscopy, and first-principles calculations. Although Pr segregated to the specific atomic site along the boundaries, it was found not to be the direct cause of nonlinear current-voltage properties. Instead, under appropriate annealing conditions, Pr enhances formations of acceptor-type native defects that are essential for the creation of double Schottky barriers in ZnO.