Position-selective growth of ZnO nanowires by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis

Position-selective growth of ZnO nanowires was realized by utilizing a patterned soda-lime glass layer. The soda-lime glass layer contributes as the origin of nucleation sites for the growth of nanowires in economically viable ultrasonic spray pyrolysis technique. The formation of nanowires took place with good reproducibility at relatively low substrate temperatures of 250–400∘C when the soda-lime glass matrix was present at the surface of substrates, and such a nitrate compound as nitric acid or nitrate salt was mixed in the precursor solutions. Based on this technique, the position-selective growth and density-controlled growth of ZnO nanowires can be performed on various types of substrate. The presence of a CaO compound in the glass matrix was revealed as an important condition to grow the nanowires.