Coating of ZnO nanorods with nanosized silver particles by electroless plating process

Metallodielectric composites of silver-coated ZnO nanorods were prepared comprising the formation of ZnO nanorod substrate by aqueous solution reaction and the deposition of silver nanoparticles by electroless plating technique. Silver-coated ZnO nanorod composites were characterized with electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that metallic Ag of high crystallinity covered on the surfaces of hexagonal ZnO nanorods. The addition of silver nanoparticles had an effect on the infrared emissivity properties of the composites. The infrared emissivity value of ZnO nanorods was obviously decreased by the introduction of silver nanoparticles onto the ZnO surface. By controlling the silver deposition, the infrared emissivity properties could be tailored.