Controlled growth of semiconducting oxides hierarchical nanostructures

Semiconducting ZnO hierarchical nanostructure, where ZnO nanonails were grown on ZnO nanowires, has been fabricated under control experiment with a mixture of ZnO nanopowders and Sn metal powders. Sn nanoparticles are located at or close to the tips of the nanowires and the growth branches, serving as the catalyst for the vapor–liquid–solid growth mechanism. The morphology and microstructure of ZnO nanowire and nanonail were measured by scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The long and straight ZnO nanowires grow along [0001] direction. ZnO nanonails are aligned radially with respect to the surface the ZnO nanowire. The long axis direction of nanonails forms an angle of ∼30° to the [0001] direction.

Graphical abstractZnO hierarchical nanostructure, in which ZnO nanonails were grown on ZnO nanowires, has been fabricated under control experiment with a mixture of ZnO nanopowders and Sn metal powders. Sn nanoparticles are located at or close to the tips of the nanowires and the growth branches, served as the catalyst for the growth of a vapor–liquid–solid mechanism. The morphology and microstructure of ZnO nanowire and nanonail were measured by scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The long and straight of ZnO nanowires grow along the [001] direction. ZnO nanonails are vertically aligned over the surface of the ZnO nanowire in the radial direction.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide