Structural properties of ZnO nanowires directly grown on a carbon film in ZnCl2 aqueous solution

• We have investigated the nucleation and growth mechanism of ZnO nanowires directly on a TEM grid.
• The growth temperature does not exceed 80 °C in any step of the electrochemical deposition.
• Our result will contribute to the development of carbon–ZnO nanostructured devices.

We have investigated the nucleation and growth of single crystal ZnO nanowires on carbon films. ZnO nanostructures were grown on a transmission electron microscopy (TEM) grid consisting of a carbon film supported by a copper frame. No seed layer was used to provide nucleation sites. The resulting ZnO nanowires showed different diameters and lengths for growth on metal versus the carbon film. This is indicative of differences in nucleation and growth processes that depend on the substrate that was used.Our results indicate that ZnO nanowire arrays can be grown on carbon films by using a ZnCl2 growth solution. This is a simple and low-cost method for growth of the nanowires. The method can also be used for investigating the mechanisms and morphology of ZnO growth on such carbon-based substrates. The growth of ZnO nanowires on carbon films, ribbons or nanodots has potential application for use in sensors, electronic, optoelectronic and photovoltaic devices.