| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1529085 | Materials Science and Engineering: B | 2012 | 6 Pages |
High-quality zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires were synthesized using the atmospheric chemical vapor deposition technique and were appropriately characterized. Subsequently, the nanowire surface was covalently grafted with 1-pyrenebutyric acid (PBA) fluorophore, and surface-sensitive X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy were utilized to confirm the functionalization of 1-pyrenebutyric acid on the nanowire surface. Additionally, photoluminescence (PL) measurements were used to evaluate the optical behavior of pristine nanowires. Through fluorescence quenching of 1-pyrenebutyric acid by p-nitrophenol, a detection limit of 28 ppb was estimated. Based on these findings, ZnO nanowires functionalized with 1-pyrenebutyric acid are envisaged as extremely sensitive platforms for the ultra-trace detection of p-nitrophenol in biological systems.
► High quality synthesis of ZnO nanowires through a CVD process and characterization. ► Covalent functionalization with fluorescent receptor to produce novel hybrid organic–inorganic system. ► Surface sensitive XPS results are analyzed to deduce proof of covalent functionalization. ► Detection limit of 28 ppb estimated for sensor through fluorescence studies. ► Highly sensitive and selective sensing platform design is proposed based on empirical findings.
