Growth of Zinc Oxide Nanowires for Serial Optical and Structural CHARACTERIZATION

Susie Eustis and Babak Nikoobakht

            We have investigated the growth procedure as well as the optical and structural properties of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires.  In order to investigate both the optical and structural properties of ZnO nanowires, the nanowire must be identifiable for each characterization.  Due to the restriction on the sample geometry in a transmission electron microscope, most structural characterization of ZnO nanowires is done after the sample has been removed from the growth substrate.  By growing ZnO nanowires on tips or sharp edges the sample can be placed in a transmission electron microscope without removing it from the original substrate.  The fluorescence and lasing properties of ZnO nanowires can also be investigated on this platform. 

ZnO nanowires are grown on silicon AFM tips coated with copper and copper half-TEM grids.  The copper acts as the catalyst to nucleate growth, which proceeds by the liquid-vapor-solid mechanism in a high temperature tube-furnace.  The time, temperature, and gas flow all have an effect on the presence and size of ZnO nanowires generated.  In order to generate nanowires only at the desired location, platinum can be deposited using a focused ion beam can be deposited on the surface.  However, ZnO nanowires are still able to grow off the edge of a copper substrate as shown below.  

SEM image of ZnO nanowires

Your Name: Susie Eustis

Mentor’s name: Babak Nikoobakht

Division: Surface and Microanalysis Science Division

Laboratory: Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory

Building address and Room: 217 A129

Mail Stop: 8372

Telephone #: 301-975-8691

FAX #: 301-926-6689

Email: susie.eustis@nist.gov

Sigma Xi member: no