Fabrication of ZnO Nanobrushes by H2-C2H2 Plasma Etching for H2 Sensing Applications

Zinc oxide has widespread use in diverse applications due to its distinct properties. Many of these applications benefit from controlling the morphology on the nanoscale, where for example gas sensing is strongly enhanced for high surface-to-volume ratios. In this work the formation of novel ZnO nanobrushes by plasma etching treatment as a new approach is presented. The morphology and structure of the ZnO nanobrushes are studied in detail by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. It is revealed that ZnO nanobrush structures are fabricated by self-patterned preferential etching of ZnO microtetrapods in a hydrogen-acetylene plasma. The etching process was found to be most effective at 1% C₂H₂ admixture. Nanowire arrays are formed enabled by sidewall passivation due to a-C:H deposition. The nanobrush structures are further stabilized by simultaneous deposition of a SiO_x layer from the opposite direction. Highly sensitive (gas response S = 148), selective, and fast (response time 15 s, recovery time 6 s) hydrogen sensors are fabricated from single nanobrushes. Single nanobrush sensors show enhanced sensing performance in increased gas response S of at least 10 times and improved response as well as recovery times when compared to nonporous single ZnO nanorod sensors due to the small diameters (≈50 nm) of the formed nanowires as well as the strongly enhanced surface-to-volume ratio of the nanobrushes by a factor of more than 10.

ZnO-(Cu/Ag)TCNQ heterostructure network over flexible platform for enhanced cold cathode application

Multistage field emitters consisting of organic/inorganic hybrid nanostructures with branched geometry are designed via a two-step protocol: a simple wet chemical method followed by a vapor-solid-phase technique. (Cu/Ag)TCNQ (copper/silver-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane) nanowires (NWs) were grown hierarchically on zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) to form ZnO-(Cu/Ag)TCNQ heterostructure assemblies. By monitoring the metallic Cu and Ag coating thickness on ZnO NRs, precise control over the morphology and orientations of the secondary organic NWs is achieved. In-depth analysis of electron field emission (FE) behavior of the ZnO-(Cu/Ag)TCNQ-based hierarchy suggests highest emission performance with low turn-on as well as threshold fields of 1.15 and 3.75 V μm(-1) respectively from the morphology-optimized hierarchy. Beneficial orientation of the branched organic NWs ensures sequential electric field enhancement in the consecutive stem and branches whereas its low work function eases electron emission; these aspects combined together render an overall enhancement in the emission behavior of the hybrid system. As compared to individual building units, the heterostructures show improved field electron emission. Additionally, successful construction of this novel hybrid over a fabric platform displays great potential in opening up new pathways in the highly-anticipated field of flexible electronics.

Recent advances in low temperature, solution processed morphology tailored ZnO nanoarchitectures for electron emission and photocatalysis applications

A comprehensive review is given on recent developments of multidimensional nanostructural ZnO processed via low temperature solution approaches and their functional prospect in field emission and environmental remediation.