Large-area zinc oxide nanorod arrays templated by nanoimprint lithography: control of morphologies and optical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chen; Huang, Xiaohu; Liu, Hongfei; Chua, Soo Jin; Ross, Caroline A.

2016-12-01

Vertically aligned, highly ordered, large area arrays of nanostructures are important building blocks for multifunctional devices. Here, ZnO nanorod arrays are selectively synthesized on Si substrates by a solution method within patterns created by nanoimprint lithography. The growth modes of two dimensional nucleation-driven wedding cakes and screw dislocation-driven spirals are inferred to determine the top end morphologies of the nanorods. Sub-bandgap photoluminescence of the nanorods is greatly enhanced by the manipulation of the hydrogen donors via a post-growth thermal treatment. Lasing behavior is facilitated in the nanorods with faceted top ends formed from wedding cakes growth mode. This work demonstrates the control of morphologies of oxide nanostructures in a large scale and the optimization of the optical performance.

In situ formation of a ZnO/ZnSe nanonail array as a photoelectrode for enhanced photoelectrochemical water oxidation performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Liyang; Tian, Guohui; Chen, Yajie; Xiao, Yuting; Fu, Honggang

2016-04-01

In this study, a ZnO/ZnSe nanonail array was prepared via a two-step sequential hydrothermal synthetic route. In this synthetic process, the ZnO nanorod array was first grown on a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate using a seed-mediated growth approach via the hydrothermal process. Then, the ZnO nanonail array was obtained via in situ growth of ZnSe nano caps onto the ZnO nanorod array via a hydrothermal process in the presence of a Se source. The surface morphology and amount of ZnSe grown on the surface of the ZnO nanorods can be regulated by varying the reaction time and reactant concentration. Compared with pure ZnO nanorods, this unique nanonail array heterostructure exhibits enhanced visible light absorption. The transient photocurrent condition, in combination with steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, reveals that the ZnO/ZnSe nanonail array electrode has the highest charge separation rate, highest electron injection efficiency, and highest chemical stability. The photocurrent density of the ZnO/ZnSe nanonail array heterostructure reaches 1.01 mA cm-2 at an applied potential of 0.1 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), which is much higher than that of the ZnO/ZnSe nanorod array (0.71 mA cm-2), the pristine ZnO nanorod array (0.39 mA cm-2), and the ZnSe electrode (0.21 mA cm-2), indicating its significant visible light driven activities for photoelectrochemical water oxidation. This unique morphology of nail-capped nanorods might be important for providing better insight into the correlation between heterostructure and photoelectrochemical activity.In this study, a ZnO/ZnSe nanonail array was prepared via a two-step sequential hydrothermal synthetic route. In this synthetic process, the ZnO nanorod array was first grown on a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate using a seed-mediated growth approach via the hydrothermal process. Then, the ZnO nanonail array was obtained via in situ growth of ZnSe nano caps onto the ZnO nanorod array via a hydrothermal process in the presence of a Se source. The surface morphology and amount of ZnSe grown on the surface of the ZnO nanorods can be regulated by varying the reaction time and reactant concentration. Compared with pure ZnO nanorods, this unique nanonail array heterostructure exhibits enhanced visible light absorption. The transient photocurrent condition, in combination with steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, reveals that the ZnO/ZnSe nanonail array electrode has the highest charge separation rate, highest electron injection efficiency, and highest chemical stability. The photocurrent density of the ZnO/ZnSe nanonail array heterostructure reaches 1.01 mA cm-2 at an applied potential of 0.1 V (vs. Ag/AgCl), which is much higher than that of the ZnO/ZnSe nanorod array (0.71 mA cm-2), the pristine ZnO nanorod array (0.39 mA cm-2), and the ZnSe electrode (0.21 mA cm-2), indicating its significant visible light driven activities for photoelectrochemical water oxidation. This unique morphology of nail-capped nanorods might be important for providing better insight into the correlation between heterostructure and photoelectrochemical activity. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: SEM, EDS, XPS and photocurrent test. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr01969b

Ag nanoparticles-decorated ZnO nanorod array on a mechanical flexible substrate with enhanced optical and antimicrobial properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yi; Tse, Wai Hei; Chen, Longyan; Zhang, Jin

2015-03-01

Heteronanostructured zinc oxide nanorod (ZnO NR) array are vertically grown on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) through a hydrothermal method followed by an in situ deposition of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) through a photoreduction process. The Ag-ZnO heterostructured nanorods on PDMS are measured with an average diameter of 160 nm and an average length of 2 μm. ZnO NRs measured by high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) shows highly crystalline with a lattice fringe of 0.255 nm, which corresponds to the (0002) planes in ZnO crystal lattice. The average diameter of the Ag NPs in situ deposited on the ZnO NRs is estimated at 22 ± 2 nm. As compared to the bare ZnO NRs, the heterostructured Ag-ZnO nanorod array shows enhanced ultraviolet (UV) absorption at 440 nm, and significant emission in the visible region (λem = 542 nm). In addition, the antimicrobial efficiency of Ag-ZnO heterostructured nanorod array shows obvious improvement as compared to bare ZnO nanorod array. The cytotoxicity of ZnO nanorod array with and without Ag NPs was studied by using 3 T3 mouse fibroblast cell line. No significant toxic effect is imposed on the cells.

Ag nanoparticles-decorated ZnO nanorod array on a mechanical flexible substrate with enhanced optical and antimicrobial properties.

PubMed

Chen, Yi; Tse, Wai Hei; Chen, Longyan; Zhang, Jin

2015-01-01

Heteronanostructured zinc oxide nanorod (ZnO NR) array are vertically grown on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) through a hydrothermal method followed by an in situ deposition of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) through a photoreduction process. The Ag-ZnO heterostructured nanorods on PDMS are measured with an average diameter of 160 nm and an average length of 2 μm. ZnO NRs measured by high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) shows highly crystalline with a lattice fringe of 0.255 nm, which corresponds to the (0002) planes in ZnO crystal lattice. The average diameter of the Ag NPs in situ deposited on the ZnO NRs is estimated at 22 ± 2 nm. As compared to the bare ZnO NRs, the heterostructured Ag-ZnO nanorod array shows enhanced ultraviolet (UV) absorption at 440 nm, and significant emission in the visible region (λem = 542 nm). In addition, the antimicrobial efficiency of Ag-ZnO heterostructured nanorod array shows obvious improvement as compared to bare ZnO nanorod array. The cytotoxicity of ZnO nanorod array with and without Ag NPs was studied by using 3 T3 mouse fibroblast cell line. No significant toxic effect is imposed on the cells.

Chemical growth of ZnO nanorod arrays on textured nanoparticle nanoribbons and its second-harmonic generation performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gui, Zhou; Wang, Xian; Liu, Jian; Yan, Shanshan; Ding, Yanyan; Wang, Zhengzhou; Hu, Yuan

2006-07-01

On the basis of the highly oriented ZnO nanoparticle nanoribbons as the growth seed layer (GSL) and solution growth technique, we have synthesized vertical ZnO nanorod arrays with high density over a large area and multi-teeth brush nanostructure, respectively, according to the density degree of the arrangement of nanoparticle nanoribbons GSL on the glass substrate. This controllable and convenient technique opens the possibility of creating nanostructured film for industrial fabrication and may represent a facile way to get similar structures of other compounds by using highly oriented GSL to promote the vertical arrays growth. The growth mechanism of the formation of the ordered nanorod arrays is also discussed. The second-order nonlinear optical coefficient d31 of the vertical ZnO nanorod arrays measured by the Maker fringes technique is 11.3 times as large as that of d36 KH 2PO 4 (KDP).

All-silicon nanorod-based Dammann gratings.

PubMed

Li, Zile; Zheng, Guoxing; He, Ping'An; Li, Song; Deng, Qiling; Zhao, Jiangnan; Ai, Yong

2015-09-15

Established diffractive optical elements (DOEs), such as Dammann gratings, whose phase profile is controlled by etching different depths into a transparent dielectric substrate, suffer from a contradiction between the complexity of fabrication procedures and the performance of such gratings. In this Letter, we combine the concept of geometric phase and phase modulation in depth, and prove by theoretical analysis and numerical simulation that nanorod arrays etched on a silicon substrate have a characteristic of strong polarization conversion between two circularly polarized states and can act as a highly efficient half-wave plate. More importantly, only by changing the orientation angles of each nanorod can the arrays control the phase of a circularly polarized light, cell by cell. With the above principle, we report the realization of nanorod-based Dammann gratings reaching diffraction efficiencies of 50%-52% in the C-band fiber telecommunications window (1530-1565 nm). In this design, uniform 4×4 spot arrays with an extending angle of 59°×59° can be obtained in the far field. Because of these advantages of the single-step fabrication procedure, accurate phase controlling, and strong polarization conversion, nanorod-based Dammann gratings could be utilized for various practical applications in a range of fields.

Color tunable light-emitting diodes based on p+-Si/p-CuAlO2/n-ZnO nanorod array heterojunctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ling, Bo; Zhao, Jun Liang; Sun, Xiao Wei; Tan, Swee Tiam; Kyaw, Aung Ko Ko; Divayana, Yoga; Dong, Zhi Li

2010-07-01

Wide-range color tuning from red to blue was achieved in phosphor-free p+-Si/p-CuAlO2/n-ZnO nanorod light-emitting diodes at room temperature. CuAlO2 films were deposited on p+-Si substrates by sputtering followed by annealing. ZnO nanorods were further grown on the annealed p+-Si/p-CuAlO2 substrates by vapor phase transport. The color of the p-CuAlO2/n-ZnO nanorod array heterojunction electroluminescence depended on the annealing temperature of the CuAlO2 film. With the increase of the annealing temperature from 900 to 1050 °C, the emission showed a blueshift under the same forward bias. The origin of the blueshift is related to the amount of Cu concentration diffused into ZnO.

Localized surface plasmon resonance properties of Ag nanorod arrays on graphene-coated Au substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mu, Haiwei; Lv, Jingwei; Liu, Chao; Sun, Tao; Chu, Paul K.; Zhang, Jingping

2017-11-01

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) on silver nanorod (SNR) arrays deposited on a graphene-coated Au substrate is investigated by the discrete dipole approximation (DDA) method. The resonance peaks in the extinction spectra of the SNR/graphene/Au structure show significantly different profiles as SNR height, and refractive index of the surrounding medium are varied gradually. Numerical simulation reveals that the shifts in the resonance peaks arise from hybridization of multiple plasmon modes as a result of coupling between the SNR arrays and graphene-coated Au substrate. Moreover, the LSPR modes blue-shifts from 800 nm to 700 nm when the thickness of the graphene layer in the metal nanoparticle (NP) - graphene hybrid nanostructure increases from 1 nm to 5 nm, which attribute to charge transfer between the graphene layer and SNR arrays. The results provide insights into metal NP-graphene hybrid nanostructures which have potential applications in plasmonics.

ZnO/perovskite core–shell nanorod array based monolithic catalysts with enhanced propane oxidation and material utilization efficiency at low temperature

DOE PAGES

Wang, Sibo; Ren, Zheng; Song, Wenqiao; ...

2015-04-24

Here, a hydrothermal strategy combined with colloidal deposition synthesis was successfully used to grow ZnO/perovskite (LaBO 3, B=Mn, Co, Ni) core-shell nanorod arrays within three dimensional (3-D) honeycomb cordierite substrates. A facile sonication assisted colloidal wash coating process is able to coat a uniformly dispersed perovskite nanoparticles onto the large scale ZnO nanorod arrays rooted on the channel surfaces of the 3D cordierite substrate achieved by hydrothermal synthesis. Compared to traditional wash-coated perovskite catalysts, an enhanced catalytic performance was observed for propane oxidation with 25°C lower light-off temperature than wash-coated perovskite catalyst of similar LaMnO 3 loading (4.3mg). Temperature programmedmore » reduction and desorption under H 2 and O 2 atmosphere, respectively, were used to study the reducibility and oxygen activity of these core-shell nanorod arrays based monolithic catalysts, revealing a catalytic activity sequence of LaCoO 3>LaMnO 3>La 2NiO 4 at the initial stage of catalytic reaction. The good dispersion and size control in La-based perovskite nanoparticles and their interfaces to ZnO nanorod arrays support may contribute to the enhancement of catalytic performance. Lastly, this work may provide a new type of Pt-group metals (PGM) free catalysts with improved catalytic performance for hydrocarbon oxidations at low temperatures.« less

Synthesis and characterization of beta-Ga2O3 nanorod array clumps by chemical vapor deposition.

PubMed

Shi, Feng; Wei, Xiaofeng

2012-11-01

beta-Ga2O3 nanorod array clumps were successfully synthesized on Si (111) substrates by chemical vapor deposition. The composition, microstructure, morphology, and light-emitting property of these clumps were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and photoluminescence. The results demonstrate that the sample synthesized at 1050 degrees C for 15 min was composed of monoclinic beta-Ga2O3 nanorod array clumps, where each single nanorod was about 300 nm in diameter with some nano-droplets on its tip. These results reveal that the growth mechanism agrees with the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) process. The photoluminescence spectrum shows that the Ga2O3 nanorods have a blue emission at 438 nm, which may be attributed to defects, such as oxygen vacancies and gallium-oxygen vacancy pairs. Defect-energy aggregation confinement growth theory was proposed to explain the growth mechanism of Ga2O3 nanorod array clumps collaborated with the VLS mechanism.

ZnO/Er2O3 core-shell nanorod arrays: Synthesis, properties and growth mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jun; Wang, Yongqian; Jiang, Tingting; Li, Yinchang; Yang, Xiande

2015-01-01

In this study, we demonstrated large-scale ZnO/Er2O3 core-shell nanorod arrays, which were successfully synthesized by a facile and simple electrodeposition method. The effect of varying the amount of Er2O3 in the range from 0.2 g to 1.0 g on morphology of ZnO nanorod arrays has been thoroughly investigated. The results indicate that the growth pattern of all the ZnO/Er2O3 shell-core nanorod arrays were along c-axis and perpendicular to the substrate as before, even more vertical. Photoluminescence measurement was carried out and the PL peaks at 382 nm, 438 nm and 462 nm were observed, which are considered to be due to free excitons and donor-bound excitons, respectively. The ZnO/Er2O3 core-shell nanorods exhibited improved optical property, which can be attributed to the enhanced donor density by the covered Er2O3. Finally, a possible growth mechanism of the ZnO nanostructures is discussed. The electrochemical deposition of ZnO/Er2O3 core-shell nanorod arrays including two stages, namely nucleation and growth process.

Flower-like ZnO nanorod arrays grown on HF-etched Si (111): constraining relation between ZnO seed layer and Si (111)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brahma, Sanjaya; Liu, C.-W.; Huang, R.-J.; Chang, S.-J.; Lo, K.-Y.

2015-11-01

We demonstrate the formation of self-assembled homogenous flower-like ZnO nanorods over a ZnO seed layer deposited on a HF-etched Si (111) substrate. The typical flower-like morphology of ZnO nanorod arrays is ascribed to the formation of the island-like seed layer which is deposited by the drop method followed by annealing at 300 °C. The island-like ZnO seed layer consists of larger ZnO grains, and is built by constraining of the Si (111) surface due to pattern matching. Pattern matching of Si with ZnO determines the shape and size of the seed layer and this controls the final morphology of ZnO nanorods to be either flower like or vertically aligned. The high quality of the island-like ZnO seed layer enhances the diameter and length of ZnO nanorods. Besides, while the amorphous layer formed during the annealing process would influence the strained ZnO grain, that subsequent amorphous layer will not block the constraining between the ZnO grain and the substrate.

Enhancing absorption in coated semiconductor nanowire/nanorod core-shell arrays using active host matrices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jule, Leta; Dejene, Francis; Roro, Kittessa

2016-12-01

In the present work, we investigated theoretically and experimentally the interaction of radiation field phenomena interacting with arrays of nanowire/nanorod core-shell embedded in active host matrices. The optical properties of composites are explored including the case when the absorption of propagating wave by dissipative component is completely compensated by amplification in active (lasing) medium. On the basis of more elaborated modeling approach and extended effective medium theory, the effective polarizability and the refractive index of electromagnetic mode dispersion of the core-shell nanowire arrays are derived. ZnS(shell)-coated by sulphidation process on ZnO(shell) nanorod arrays grown on (100) silicon substrate by chemical bath deposition (CBD) has been used for theoretical comparison. Compared with the bare ZnO nanorods, ZnS-coated core/shell nanorods exhibit a strongly reduced ultraviolet (UV) emission and a dramatically enhanced deep level (DL) emission. Obviously, the UV and DL emission peaks are attributed to the emissions of ZnO nanorods within ZnO/ZnS core/shell nanorods. The reduction of UV emission after ZnS coating seems to agree with the charge separation mechanism of type-II band alignment that holes transfer from the core to shell, which would quench the UV emission to a certain extent. Our theoretical calculations and numerical simulation demonstrate that the use of active host (amplifying) medium to compensate absorption at metallic inclusions. Moreover the core-shell nanorod/nanowire arrays create the opportunity for broad band absorption and light harvesting applications.

TiO2 nanocrystals decorated Z-schemed core-shell CdS-CdO nanorod arrays as high efficiency anodes for photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation.

PubMed

Li, Chia-Hsun; Hsu, Chan-Wei; Lu, Shih-Yuan

2018-07-01

TiO 2 nanocrystals decorated core-shell CdS-CdO nanorod arrays, TiO 2 @CdO/CdS NR, were fabricated as high efficiency anodes for photoelctrochemical hydrogen generation. The novel sandwich heterostructure was constructed from first growth of CdS nanorod arrays on a fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate with a hydrothermal process, followed by in situ generation of CdO thin films of single digit nanometers from the CdS nanorod surfaces through thermal oxidation, and final decoration of TiO 2 nanocrystals of 10-20 nm via a successive ionic layer absorption and reaction process. The core-shell CdS-CdO heterostructure possesses a Z-scheme band structure to enhance interfacial charge transfer, facilitating effective charge separation to suppress electron-hole recombination within CdS for much improved current density generation. The final decoration of TiO 2 nanocrystals passivates surface defects and trap states of CdO, further suppressing surface charge recombination for even higher photovoltaic conversion efficiencies. The photoelectrochemical performances of the plain CdS nanorod array were significantly improved with the formation of the sandwich heterostructure, achieving a photo current density of 3.2 mA/cm 2 at 1.23 V (vs. RHE), a 141% improvement over the plain CdS nanorod array and a 32% improvement over the CdO/CdS nanorod array. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Scalable continuous flow synthesis of ZnO nanorod arrays in 3-D ceramic honeycomb substrates for low-temperature desulfurization

DOE PAGES

Wang, Sibo; Wu, Yunchao; Miao, Ran; ...

2017-07-26

Scalable and cost-effective synthesis and assembly of technologically important nanostructures in three-dimensional (3D) substrates hold keys to bridge the demonstrated nanotechnologies in academia with industrially relevant scalable manufacturing. In this paper, using ZnO nanorod arrays as an example, a hydrothermal-based continuous flow synthesis (CFS) method is successfully used to integrate the nano-arrays in multi-channeled monolithic cordierite. Compared to the batch process, CFS enhances the average growth rate of nano-arrays by 125%, with the average length increasing from 2 μm to 4.5 μm within the same growth time of 4 hours. The precursor utilization efficiency of CFS is enhanced by 9more » times compared to that of batch process by preserving the majority of precursors in recyclable solution. Computational fluid dynamic simulation suggests a steady-state solution flow and mass transport inside the channels of honeycomb substrates, giving rise to steady and consecutive growth of ZnO nano-arrays with an average length of 10 μm in 12 h. The monolithic ZnO nano-array-integrated cordierite obtained through CFS shows enhanced low-temperature (200 °C) desulfurization capacity and recyclability in comparison to ZnO powder wash-coated cordierite. This can be attributed to exposed ZnO {101¯0} planes, better dispersion and stronger interactions between sorbent and reactant in the ZnO nanorod arrays, as well as the sintering-resistance of nano-array configurations during sulfidation–regeneration cycles. Finally, with the demonstrated scalable synthesis and desulfurization performance of ZnO nano-arrays, a promising, industrially relevant integration strategy is provided to fabricate metal oxide nano-array-based monolithic devices for various environmental and energy applications.« less

Scalable continuous flow synthesis of ZnO nanorod arrays in 3-D ceramic honeycomb substrates for low-temperature desulfurization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Sibo; Wu, Yunchao; Miao, Ran

Scalable and cost-effective synthesis and assembly of technologically important nanostructures in three-dimensional (3D) substrates hold keys to bridge the demonstrated nanotechnologies in academia with industrially relevant scalable manufacturing. In this paper, using ZnO nanorod arrays as an example, a hydrothermal-based continuous flow synthesis (CFS) method is successfully used to integrate the nano-arrays in multi-channeled monolithic cordierite. Compared to the batch process, CFS enhances the average growth rate of nano-arrays by 125%, with the average length increasing from 2 μm to 4.5 μm within the same growth time of 4 hours. The precursor utilization efficiency of CFS is enhanced by 9more » times compared to that of batch process by preserving the majority of precursors in recyclable solution. Computational fluid dynamic simulation suggests a steady-state solution flow and mass transport inside the channels of honeycomb substrates, giving rise to steady and consecutive growth of ZnO nano-arrays with an average length of 10 μm in 12 h. The monolithic ZnO nano-array-integrated cordierite obtained through CFS shows enhanced low-temperature (200 °C) desulfurization capacity and recyclability in comparison to ZnO powder wash-coated cordierite. This can be attributed to exposed ZnO {101¯0} planes, better dispersion and stronger interactions between sorbent and reactant in the ZnO nanorod arrays, as well as the sintering-resistance of nano-array configurations during sulfidation–regeneration cycles. Finally, with the demonstrated scalable synthesis and desulfurization performance of ZnO nano-arrays, a promising, industrially relevant integration strategy is provided to fabricate metal oxide nano-array-based monolithic devices for various environmental and energy applications.« less

CdS nanorods/organic hybrid LED array and the piezo-phototronic effect of the device for pressure mapping.

PubMed

Bao, Rongrong; Wang, Chunfeng; Dong, Lin; Shen, Changyu; Zhao, Kun; Pan, Caofeng

2016-04-21

As widely applied in light-emitting diodes and optical devices, CdS has attracted the attention of many researchers due to its nonlinear properties and piezo-electronic effect. Here, we demonstrate a LED array composed of PSS and CdS nanorods and research the piezo-photonic effect of the array device. The emission intensity of the device depends on the electron-hole recombination at the interface of the p-n junction which can be adjusted using the piezo-phototronic effect and can be used to map the pressure applied on the surface of the device with spatial resolution as high as 1.5 μm. A flexible LED device array has been prepared using a CdS nanorod array on a Au/Cr/kapton substrate. This device may be used in the field of strain mapping using its high pressure spatial-resolution and flexibility.

Influence of substrates and rutile seed layers on the assembly of hydrothermally grown rutile TiO2 nanorod arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalb, Julian; Dorman, James A.; Folger, Alena; Gerigk, Melanie; Knittel, Vanessa; Plüisch, Claudia S.; Trepka, Bastian; Lehr, Daniela; Chua, Emily; Goodge, Berit H.; Wittemann, Alexander; Scheu, Christina; Polarz, Sebastian; Schmidt-Mende, Lukas

2018-07-01

Rutile TiO2 nanorod arrays (NRAs) are applicable in various prospective technologies. Hydrothermal methods present a simple technique to fabricate such NRAs. In this report, we present the fabrication of seed layers for the hydrothermal growth of rutile TiO2 nanorods via sputter deposition, electron-beam evaporation, and sol-gel method and study the influence of each on the growth behavior. To satisfy the requirements of numerous applications, p-type silicon, platinum, levitating carbon membranes, a template made of polystyrene spheres, and commercial fluorine tin oxide (FTO) were employed as substrates. We document the structural properties of the TiO2 seed layers and describe the relationship between the characteristics of the seed crystals, the growth evolution, and the appearance of as-grown nanorods. Various growth stages of rutile TiO2 nanorods are compared depending on whether they are grown on polycrystalline TiO2 or FTO seed layers. In both cases, a homogenous TiO2 bottom layer is formed at the seed layer/substrate interface, which is essential for electronic applications such as hybrid solar cells. Detached NRAs illustrate the effect of rutile FTO and TiO2 on the porosity of this bottom layer. Further details about the formation process of this layer are obtained from the growth on confined seed layers fabricated by electron-beam lithography.

Electropolymerization of Uniform Polyaniline Nanorod Arrays on Conducting Oxides as Counter Electrodes in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

PubMed

He, Ziming; Liu, Jing; Khoo, Si Yun; Tan, Timothy Thatt Yang

2016-01-01

Conventional techniques for the synthesis of oriented polyaniline (PANI) nanostructures are often complex or time consuming. Through an innovative reduced graphene oxide (rGO) modified FTO and a low-potential electropolymerization strategy, the rapid and template-free growth of a highly ordered PANI nanorod array on the FTO substrate is realized. The highly ordered nanostructure of the PANI array leads to a high electrocatalytic activity and chemical stability. The importance of the polymerization potential and rGO surface modification to achieve this nanostructure is revealed. Compared to platinum, the PANI nanorod array exhibits an enhanced performance and stability as counter electrodes in dye-sensitized solar cells, with a 17.6 % enhancement in power conversion efficiency. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Low temperature growth of ZnO nanorods array via solution-immersion on TiO2 seed layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asib, N. A. M.; Aadila, A.; Afaah, A. N.; Rusop, M.; Khusaimi, Z.

2018-05-01

In this work, TiO2:ZNR thin films were successfully fabricated on glass substrates at low temperatures of 75 to 90°C. The substrates were coated with titanium dioxide (TiO2) using sol-gel spin coating, which act as seed layer to grow zinc oxide nanorods (ZNR) by solution-immersion method. At 90 and 95° C, ZNR with hexagonal tip are well dispersed without any aggregation and exhibit more uniform nanorods array as observed using FESEM. The diffraction peak intensity of the (0 0 2)-plane increased as the temperature increased, indicating improved orientation in the c-axis direction of the ZNR as detected in XRD patterns. From UV-Vis absorbance spectra, it was found that the samples has higher absorption properties at middle range of immersion temperatures; 80, 85 and 90°C.

Optimization of processing parameters on the controlled growth of ZnO nanorod arrays for the performance improvement of solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Yi-Mu, E-mail: ymlee@nuu.edu.t; Yang, Hsi-Wen

2011-03-15

High-transparency and high quality ZnO nanorod arrays were grown on the ITO substrates by a two-step chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. The effects of processing parameters including reaction temperature (25-95 {sup o}C) and solution concentration (0.01-0.1 M) on the crystal growth, alignment, optical and electrical properties were systematically investigated. It has been found that these process parameters are critical for the growth, orientation and aspect ratio of the nanorod arrays, showing different structural and optical properties. Experimental results reveal that the hexagonal ZnO nanorod arrays prepared under reaction temperature of 95 {sup o}C and solution concentration of 0.03 M possessmore » highest aspect ratio of {approx}21, and show the well-aligned orientation and optimum optical properties. Moreover the ZnO nanorod arrays based heterojunction electrodes and the solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (SS-DSSCs) were fabricated with an improved optoelectrical performance. -- Graphical abstract: The ZnO nanorod arrays demonstrate well-alignment, high aspect ratio (L/D{approx}21) and excellent optical transmittance by low-temperature chemical bath deposition (CBD). Display Omitted Research highlights: > Investigate the processing parameters of CBD on the growth of ZnO nanorod arrays. > Optimization of CBD process parameters: 0.03 M solution concentration and reaction temperature of 95 {sup o}C. > The prepared ZnO samples possess well-alignment and high aspect ratio (L/D{approx}21). > An n-ZnO/p-NiO heterojunction: great rectifying behavior and low leakage current. > SS-DSSC has J{sub SC} of 0.31 mA/cm{sup 2} and V{sub OC} of 590 mV, and an improved {eta} of 0.059%.« less

Direct Growth of Crystalline Tungsten Oxide Nanorod Arrays by a Hydrothermal Process and Their Electrochromic Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Chih-Hao; Hon, Min Hsiung; Leu, Ing-Chi

2017-04-01

Transparent crystalline tungsten oxide nanorod arrays for use as an electrochromic layer have been directly prepared on fluorine-doped tin oxide-coated glass via a facile tungsten film-assisted hydrothermal process using aqueous tungsten hexachloride solution. X-ray diffraction analysis and field-emission scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the phase and morphology of the grown nanostructures. Arrays of tungsten oxide nanorods with diameter of ˜22 nm and length of ˜240 nm were obtained at 200°C after 8 h of hydrothermal reaction. We propose a growth mechanism for the deposition of the monoclinic tungsten oxide phase in the hydrothermal environment. The tungsten film was first oxidized to tungsten oxide to provide seed sites for crystal growth and address the poor connection between the growing tungsten oxide and substrate. Aligned tungsten oxide nanorod arrays can be grown by a W thin film-assisted heterogeneous nucleation process with NaCl as a structure-directing agent. The fabricated electrochromic device demonstrated optical modulation (coloration/bleaching) at 632.8 nm of ˜41.2% after applying a low voltage of 0.1 V for 10 s, indicating the potential of such nanorod array films for use in energy-saving smart windows.

Synthesis and photoelectrochemical properties of a novel CuO/ZnO nanorod photocathode for solar hydrogen generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shaislamov, Ulugbek; Lee, Heon-Ju

2016-10-01

Here, we present a facile synthesis method and photoelectrochemical characterizations of a p-type CuO-nanorod array photoelectrode with ZnO nanorod branches. Vertically-aligned CuO nanorods were synthesized by using direct oxidation of metallic Cu nanorods grown on a Cu substrate by using a facile template-assisted electrodeposition method. The formed CuONR/ZnONB hierarchically-structured photoelectrode exhibited remarkable photoelectrodechemical performance and outstanding stability compared to the CuO NR photoelectrode without ZnO NR branches. Morphological, optical and electrochemical characterizations were carried out in order to examine the effects of ZnO nanorod branches on the stability and the overall electrochemical performance of the electrode.

Large enhancement of X-ray excited luminescence in Ga-doped ZnO nanorod arrays by hydrogen annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Qianli; Liu, Xiaoliln; Gu, Mu; Li, Fengrui; Zhang, Juannan; Wu, Qiang; Huang, Shiming; Liu, Si

2018-03-01

Highly c-axis oriented and densely packed ZnO:Ga nanorod arrays were fabricated on ZnO-seeded substrates by hydrothermal method, and the effect of hydrogen annealing on their morphology, structure and luminescence properties was investigated in detail. Under ultraviolet or X-ray excitation, an intense ultraviolet luminescence appeared in the hydrogen-annealed samples owing to the formation of a shallow hydrogen donor state, which can sharply activate the reconbination radiation. The luminescence intensity increased with the annealing temperature, and then decreased at a higher temperature due to the dissociation of the hydrogen ion. The optimum concentration and time of hydrogen annealing were acquired simultaneously. It is expected that the ZnO:Ga nanorod array is a promising candidate for application in ultrafast and high-spatial-resolution X-ray imaging detector.

Assembling Ordered Nanorod Superstructures and Their Application as Microcavity Lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Pai; Singh, Shalini; Guo, Yina; Wang, Jian-Jun; Xu, Hongxing; Silien, Christophe; Liu, Ning; Ryan, Kevin M.

2017-03-01

Herein we report the formation of multi-layered arrays of vertically aligned and close packed semiconductor nanorods in perfect registry at a substrate using electric field assisted assembly. The collective properties of these CdSexS1-x nanorod emitters are harnessed by demonstrating a relatively low amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) threshold and a high net optical gain at medium pump intensity. The importance of order in the system is highlighted where a lower ASE threshold is observed compared to disordered samples.

Flexible asymmetric supercapacitors based upon Co9S8 nanorod//Co3O4@RuO2 nanosheet arrays on carbon cloth.

PubMed

Xu, Jing; Wang, Qiufan; Wang, Xiaowei; Xiang, Qingyi; Liang, Bo; Chen, Di; Shen, Guozhen

2013-06-25

We have successfully fabricated flexible asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) based on acicular Co9S8 nanorod arrays as positive materials and Co3O4@RuO2 nanosheet arrays as negative materials on woven carbon fabrics. Co9S8 nanorod arrays were synthesized by a hydrothermal sulfuration treatment of acicular Co3O4 nanorod arrays, while the RuO2 was directly deposited on the Co3O4 nanorod arrays. Carbon cloth was selected as both the substrate and the current collector for its good conductivity, high flexibility, good physical strength, and lightweight architecture. Both aqueous KOH solutions and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/KOH were employed as electrolyte for electrochemical measurements. The as-fabricated ASCs can be cycled reversibly in the range of 0-1.6 V and exhibit superior electrochemical performance with an energy density of 1.21 mWh/cm(3) at a power density of 13.29 W/cm(3) in aqueous electrolyte and an energy density of 1.44 mWh/cm(3) at the power density of 0.89 W/cm(3) in solid-state electrolyte, which are almost 10-fold higher than those reported in early ASC work. Moreover, they present excellent cycling performance at multirate currents and large currents after thousands of cycles. The high-performance nanostructured ASCs have significant potential applications in portable electronics and electrical vehicles.

High optical switching speed and flexible electrochromic display based on WO3 nanoparticles with ZnO nanorod arrays' supported electrode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Mingjun; Fang, Guojia; Yuan, Longyan; Huang, Huihui; Sun, Zhenhua; Liu, Nishuang; Xia, Shanhong; Zhao, Xingzhong

2009-05-01

The electrochromic (EC) property of WO3 nanoparticles grown on vertically self-aligned ZnO nanorods (ZNRs) is reported. An electrochromic character display based on WO3 nanoparticle-modified ZnO nanorod arrays on a flexible substrate has been fabricated and demonstrated. The ZNRs were first synthesized on ZnO-seed-coated In2O3:Sn (ITO) glass (1 cm2 cell) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (4 cm2 cell) substrates by a low temperature hydrothermal method, and then amorphous WO3 nanoparticles were grown directly on the surface of the ZNRs by the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) method. The ZNR-based EC device shows high transparence, good electrochromic stability and fast switching speed (4.2 and 4 s for coloration and bleaching, respectively, for a 1 cm2 cell). The good performance of the ZNR electrode-based EC display can be attributed to the large surface area, high crystallinity and good electron transport properties of the ZNR arrays. Its high contrast, fast switching, good memory and flexible characteristics indicate it is a promising candidate for flexible electrochromic displays or electronic paper.

One-dimensional nanostructures for opto-electronic and sensing devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schierhorn, Martin

This thesis focuses on the synthesis and characterization of oriented, one-dimensional nanostructures for photovoltaic and sensing application. Porous aluminum oxide (PAO) was used as a hard template for nanostructure design. The fabrication of PAO and its use for nanomaterials synthesis are discussed in detail. The majority of the work presented in this thesis focuses on CdSe nanorod electrode arrays with the nanorods aligned normal to the substrate for photovoltaic applications. Photovoltaic characteristics were determined electrochemically in an aqueous solution using polysulfide (Sn2-) as the redox mediator. Isolating the back electrode from the electrolyte with TiO2 electron blocking layer increased the open circuit voltage from -0.23 V to -0.34 V and the fill factor from 0.42 to 0.57. Depending on the electrolyte concentration, IPCE values between 2.5 and 8% were observed for devices made with freestanding PAO templates at an incident wavelength of 500 nm. Internal quantum efficiencies were estimated to approach 50%. More detailed structure-function relationships could be established when nanorod arrays were fabricated using PAO on solid, transparent substrates. Nanorod lengths were varied between 50 and 500 nm, while keeping the diameter at 65 nm. The electrochemical photovoltaic performance was found to depend critically on nanorod length and crystallinity. Arrays of rods annealed at 500°C showed an order of magnitude improvement in white light power conversion efficiency over unannealed samples. The largest power conversion efficiency of 0.52% was observed for nanorods 445 +/- 82 nm in length annealed at 500°C. Internal quantum efficiencies were measured to be ˜ 45%. The technique described is generally applicable to fabricating highly aligned nanorods of a broad range of materials on a robust transparent conductor. To test their application for photovoltaic devices, the fabrication of CdSe:P3HT inorganic-organic hybrid solar cells was explored. Initial experiments suggest improved use of the solar spectrum in the blue region when using the hybrid system. A linear dependence of short circuit currents on nanorod length was found. Largest efficiencies of 1.00 +/- 0.14% were determined for devices with rod lengths of 721 +/- 15 nm. Finally, a technique is described for synthesizing ordered, 2-dimensional arrays of anisotropic metal-silica hybrids. Silver nanoparticles 35 +/- 6 nm in diameter were grown electrochemically into highly-ordered porous aluminum oxide templates (PAO) and covered with silica on all but a small portion of their surfaces. The resulting structure was functionalized with 4-aminobenzenthiol and used as a SERS-active substrate. SERS signal intensities enhanced, on average, by factors ˜10 to 20 (and at times considerably more) resulted from the formation of small aggregates of these encapsulated nanoparticles over an equivalent number of widely spaced arrays of "single" particles. A special feature of this system is the minimization of the silver surface area that is available for analyte binding---significantly reducing the loss of analyte to non-enhancing regions of the substrate as well as decreasing the contribution of impurities and other undesired species to the SERS signals.

Preparation and photovoltaic properties of perovskite solar cell based on ZnO nanorod arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Yang; Liu, Tian; Li, Zhaosong; Feng, Bingjie; Li, Siqian; Duan, Jinxia; Ye, Cong; Zhang, Jun; Wang, Hao

2016-12-01

A careful control of ZnO nanorod arrays with various densities and thickness were achieved by hydrothermal method. An obvious increase in the ZnO nanorod density is observed as the concentrations of zinc acetate dropped as expected through the surface SEM images. On the other hand, samples with and without TiO2 compact layer were also studied and results had been analyzed to seek for an optimized substrate structure for light absorbing layer and increase the efficiency. What's more, a deep research for the drying temperature for perovskite layer was also conducted. As a result, SEM images discribe a promising surface appearance of perovskite layer which is finely attached onto the nanorod structure. Final power conversion efficiency (PCE) of FTO/ZnO seed layer/ZnO nanorods/perovskite/spiro-OMe-TAD/Au electrode photovoltaic device reached ∼9.15% together with open-circuit voltage of 957 mV, short-circuit current density of 17.8 mA/cm2 and fill factor of 0.537.

Ultra-thin layer chromatography and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy on silver nanorod array substrates prepared by oblique angle deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jing; Abell, Justin; Huang, Yao-wen; Zhao, Yiping

2012-06-01

We demonstrate the potential use of silver nanorod (AgNR) array substrates for on-chip separation and detection of chemical mixtures by ultra-thin layer chromatography (UTLC) and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The capability of the AgNR substrates to separate different compounds in a mixture was explored using a mixture of the food colorant Brilliant Blue FCF and lactic acid, and the mixtures of Methylene Violet and BSA at various concentrations. After the UTLC process, spatially-resolved SERS spectra were collected along the mobile phase development direction and the intensities of specific SERS peaks from each component were used to generate chromatograms. The AgNR substrates demonstrate the capability of separating Brilliant Blue from lactic acid, as well as revealing the SERS signal of Methylene Violet from the massive BSA background after a simple UTLC step. This technique may have significant practical implications in actual detection of small molecules from complex food or clinical backgrounds.

Plasmon-enhanced Electrically Light-emitting from ZnO Nanorod Arrays/p-GaN Heterostructure Devices

PubMed Central

Lu, Junfeng; Shi, Zengliang; Wang, Yueyue; Lin, Yi; Zhu, Qiuxiang; Tian, Zhengshan; Dai, Jun; Wang, Shufeng; Xu, Chunxiang

2016-01-01

Effective and bright light-emitting-diodes (LEDs) have attracted broad interests in fundamental research and industrial application, especially on short wavelength LEDs. In this paper, a well aligned ZnO nanorod arrays grown on the p-GaN substrate to form a heterostructured light-emitting diode and Al nanoparticles (NPs) were decorated to improve the electroluminescence performance. More than 30-folds enhancement of the electroluminescence intensity was obtained compared with the device without Al NPs decoration. The investigation on the stable and transient photoluminescence spectraof the ZnO nanorod arrays before and after Al NPs decoration demonstrated that the metal surface plasmon resonance coupling with excitons of ZnO leads to the enhancement of the internal quantum efficiency (IQE). Our results provide aneffective approach to design novel optoelectronic devices such as light-emitting diodes and plasmonic nanolasers. PMID:27181337

Optical and photoelectrochemical performance study based on n-ZnO nanorod arrays/p-CuAlO2 laminar films/Ni heterojunction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Juan; Yang, Haibin; Deng, Weiwen

2014-06-01

A novel ZnO nanorod arrays (NRs)/CuAlO2 laminar films heterojunction nanostructure was grown on the substrate of Ni plates using sol-gel synthesis for laminar films and subsequent hydrothermal reaction for nanorod arrays. The surface morphology, structure, optical and photoelectrochemical behaviors of this heterojunction were considered. Two significant absorption peaks of UV-vis spectra and a favorable forward current to reverse current ratio at applied voltage of -0.7 V to +2 V were observed in this heterojunction. Furthermore, the photoelectrochemical property was indicated that the highest photocurrent of 0.67 mA/cm2 was obtained under AM 1.5 illumination (vs Ag/AgCl). This heterojunction will play an important role in the optoelectronic fields and can be extended to other binary or ternary oxide compositions for optoelectronic applications.

Plasmon-enhanced Electrically Light-emitting from ZnO Nanorod Arrays/p-GaN Heterostructure Devices.

PubMed

Lu, Junfeng; Shi, Zengliang; Wang, Yueyue; Lin, Yi; Zhu, Qiuxiang; Tian, Zhengshan; Dai, Jun; Wang, Shufeng; Xu, Chunxiang

2016-05-16

Effective and bright light-emitting-diodes (LEDs) have attracted broad interests in fundamental research and industrial application, especially on short wavelength LEDs. In this paper, a well aligned ZnO nanorod arrays grown on the p-GaN substrate to form a heterostructured light-emitting diode and Al nanoparticles (NPs) were decorated to improve the electroluminescence performance. More than 30-folds enhancement of the electroluminescence intensity was obtained compared with the device without Al NPs decoration. The investigation on the stable and transient photoluminescence spectraof the ZnO nanorod arrays before and after Al NPs decoration demonstrated that the metal surface plasmon resonance coupling with excitons of ZnO leads to the enhancement of the internal quantum efficiency (IQE). Our results provide aneffective approach to design novel optoelectronic devices such as light-emitting diodes and plasmonic nanolasers.

Fabrication and Characterization of Vertically Aligned ZnO Nanorod Arrays via Inverted Monolayer Colloidal Crystals Mask

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Cheng; Ding, Taotao; Qi, Zhiqiang; Zhang, Wei; Zhang, Jun; Xu, Juan; Chen, Jingwen; Dai, Jiangnan; Chen, Changqing

2018-04-01

The periodically ordered ZnO nanorod (NR) arrays have been successfully synthesized via a hydrothermal approach on the silicon substrates by templating of the TiO2 ring deriving from the polystyrene (PS) nanosphere monolayer colloidal crystals (MCC). With the inverted MCC mask, sol-gel-derived ZnO seeds could serve as the periodic nucleation positions for the site-specific growth of ZnO NRs. The large-scale patterned arrays of single ZnO NR with good side-orientation can be readily produced. According to the experimental results, the as-integrated ZnO NR arrays showed an excellent crystal quality and optical property, very suitable for optoelectronic applications such as stimulated emitters and ZnO photonic crystal devices.

Creating new superconducting & semiconducting nanomaterials and investigating the effect of reduced dimensionality on their properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mishra, Sukhada

The field of nanomaterials has continued to attract researchers to understand the fundamentals and to investigate potential applications in the fields of semiconductor physics, microfabrication, nanomedicine, surface sciences etc. One of the most critical aspects of the nanomaterials research is to establish synthetic protocols, which can address the underlying product requirements of reproducibility, homogenous morphology and controlled elemental composition. We have focused our research in exploring synthetic routes for the synthesis of superconducting and semiconducting nanomaterials and analyze their structure---property relationship through detailed characterizations. The first part of dissertation is focused on the synthesis of superconducting FeSe nanostructures using catalyst assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique. The effect of catalyst---FeSe interphase on the d spacing of the FeSe nanostructures has been analyzed, and the internal pressure effect on the Tc has been investigated further through in depth characterizations. The emphasis of second part is on the development of a simple yet versatile protocol for the synthesis of vertically aligned nanorod arrays on conducting substrate by combining electron beam lithography technique with electrochemical deposition. The technique has been utilized to fabricate photovoltaic CdTe nanorod arrays on conducting substrate and further extended to devise CdS---CdTe nanorod arrays to create radial and lateral p---n junction assembly. Using photo---electrochemical analysis, it was observed that, the nanorod arrays yielded higher photo---electrochemical current compared to the thin film counterpart. The third part of dissertation describes the CVD protocol to synthesize multifunctional, dumbbell shaped Au---CoSe nanoparticles, which possess potential applications in ' theronostic' biological examinations.

Effect of growth time to the properties of Al-doped ZnO nanorod arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ismail, A. S.; Mamat, M. H.; Malek, M. F.; Saidi, S. A.; Yusoff, M. M.; Mohamed, R.; Sin, N. D. Md; Suriani, A. B.; Rusop, M.

2018-05-01

Aluminum (Al)-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod array films were successfully deposited at different growth time on zinc oxide (ZnO) seed layer coated glass substrate using sol-gel immersion method. The morphology images of the films showed that the thicknesses of the films were increased parallel with the increment of growth period. The surface topology of the films displayed an increment of roughness as the growth period increased. Optical properties of the samples exposed that the percentage of transmittances reduced at higher growth time. Besides, the Urbach energy of the films slightly increased as the immersion time increased. The current-voltage (I-V) measurement indicated that the resistance increased as the immersion time increased owing to the appearance of intrinsic layer on top of the nanorods.

The Effect of Eu Doping on Microstructure, Morphology and Methanal-Sensing Performance of Highly Ordered SnO2 Nanorods Array

PubMed Central

Zhao, Yanping; Li, Yuehua; Ren, Xingping; Gao, Fan; Zhao, Heyun

2017-01-01

Layered Eu-doped SnO2 ordered nanoarrays constructed by nanorods with 10 nm diameters and several hundred nanometers length were synthesized by a substrate-free hydrothermal route using alcohol and water mixed solvent of sodium stannate and sodium hydroxide at 200 °C. The Eu dopant acted as a crystal growth inhibitor to prevent the SnO2 nanorods growth up, resulting in tenuous SnO2 nanorods ordered arrays. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the tetragonal rutile-type structure with a systematic average size reduction and unit cell volume tumescence, while enhancing the residual strain as the Eu-doped content increases. The surface defects that were caused by the incorporation of Eu ions within the surface oxide matrix were observed by high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The results of the response properties of sensors based on the different levels of Eu-doped SnO2 layered nanoarrays demonstrated that the 0.5 at % Eu-doped SnO2 layered nanorods arrays exhibited an excellent sensing response to methanal at 278 °C. The reasons of the enhanced sensing performance were discussed from the complicated defect surface structure, the large specific surface area, and the excellent catalytic properties of Eu dopant. PMID:29168796

Enhanced Structural and Luminescent Properties of Carbon-Assisted ZnO Nanorod Arrays on (100) Si Substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Im Taek; Cho, Hak Dong; Lee, Sejoon; Roshchupkin, Dmitry V.

2018-02-01

We have fabricated as-grown ZnO nanorods (NRs) and carbon-assisted NR arrays on semi-insulating (100)-oriented Si substrates. We compared the structural and luminescent properties of them. High-resolution transmission microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive x-ray revealed that the as-grown ZnO NRs and carbon-assisted ZnO NRs were single crystals with a hexagonal wurtzite structure, and grew with a c-axis orientation perpendicular to the Si substrate. These measurements show that the carbon-assisted ZnO NRs were better synthesized vertically on an Si substrate compared to the as-grown ZnO NRs. Photoluminescence measurements showed that luminescence intensity of the carbon-assisted ZnO NRs was enhanced compared to the as-grown ZnO NRs. The enhanced luminescence intensity of the carbon-assisted ZnO demonstrates the possible improvement in the performance of photovoltaic nanodevices based on ZnO-like materials. This method can be applied to the fabrication of well-aligned ZnO NRs used widely in optoelectronic devices.

Highly reproducible and sensitive silver nanorod array for the rapid detection of Allura Red in candy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Yue; Wang, Wen; Tian, Kangzhen; Ingram, Whitney Marvella; Cheng, Jie; Qu, Lulu; Li, Haitao; Han, Caiqin

2018-04-01

Allura Red (AR) is a highly stable synthetic red azo dye, which is widely used in the food industry to dye food and increase its attraction to consumers. However, the excessive consumption of AR can result in adverse health effects to humans. Therefore, a highly reproducible silver nanorod (AgNR) array was developed for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection of AR in candy. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of AgNR substrate obtained from the same batch and different batches were 5.7% and 11.0%, respectively, demonstrating the high reproducibility. Using these highly reproducible AgNR arrays as the SERS substrates, AR was detected successfully, and its characteristic peaks were assigned by the density function theory (DFT) calculation. The limit of detection (LOD) of AR was determined to be 0.05 mg/L with a wide linear range of 0.8-100 mg/L. Furthermore, the AgNR SERS arrays can detect AR directly in different candy samples within 3 min without any complicated pretreatment. These results suggest the AgNR array can be used for rapid and qualitative SERS detection of AR, holding a great promise for expanding SERS application in food safety control field.

Direct Low-Temperature Growth of Single-Crystalline Anatase TiO2 Nanorod Arrays on Transparent Conducting Oxide Substrates for Use in PbS Quantum-Dot Solar Cells.

PubMed

Chung, Hyun Suk; Han, Gill Sang; Park, So Yeon; Shin, Hee-Won; Ahn, Tae Kyu; Jeong, Sohee; Cho, In Sun; Jung, Hyun Suk

2015-05-20

We report on the direct growth of anatase TiO2 nanorod arrays (A-NRs) on transparent conducting oxide (TCO) substrates that can be directly applied to various photovoltaic devices via a seed layer mediated epitaxial growth using a facile low-temperature hydrothermal method. We found that the crystallinity of the seed layer and the addition of an amine functional group play crucial roles in the A-NR growth process. The A-NRs exhibit a pure anatase phase with a high crystallinity and preferred growth orientation in the [001] direction. Importantly, for depleted heterojunction solar cells (TiO2/PbS), the A-NRs improve both electron transport and injection properties, thereby largely increasing the short-circuit current density and doubling their efficiency compared to TiO2 nanoparticle-based solar cells.

Gold nanoparticle-embedded silk protein-ZnO nanorod hybrids for flexible bio-photonic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gogurla, Narendar; Kundu, Subhas C.; Ray, Samit K.

2017-04-01

Silk protein has been used as a biopolymer substrate for flexible photonic devices. Here, we demonstrate ZnO nanorod array hybrid photodetectors on Au nanoparticle-embedded silk protein for flexible optoelectronics. Hybrid samples exhibit optical absorption at the band edge of ZnO as well as plasmonic energy due to Au nanoparticles, making them attractive for selective UV and visible wavelength detection. The device prepared on Au-silk protein shows a much lower dark current and a higher photo to dark-current ratio of ∼105 as compared to the control sample without Au nanoparticles. The hybrid device also exhibits a higher specific detectivity due to higher responsivity arising from the photo-generated hole trapping by Au nanoparticles. Sharp pulses in the transient photocurrent have been observed in devices prepared on glass and Au-silk protein substrates due to the light induced pyroelectric effect of ZnO, enabling the demonstration of self-powered photodetectors at zero bias. Flexible hybrid detectors have been demonstrated on Au-silk/polyethylene terephthalate substrates, exhibiting characteristics similar to those fabricated on rigid glass substrates. A study of the performance of photodetectors with different bending angles indicates very good mechanical stability of silk protein based flexible devices. This novel concept of ZnO nanorod array photodetectors on a natural silk protein platform provides an opportunity to realize integrated flexible and self-powered bio-photonic devices for medical applications in near future.

Effect of annealing temperature on the photoluminescence and scintillation properties of ZnO nanorods

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kurudirek, Sinem V.; Menkara, H.; Klein, Benjamin D. B.

2018-01-01

The effect of the annealing to enhance the photoluminescence (PL) and scintillation properties, as determined by pulse height distribution of alpha particle irradiation, has been investigated for solution grown ZnO nanorods For this investigation the ZnO nanorod arrays were grown on glass for 22 h at 95 ◦ C as a substrate using a solution based hydrothermal technique. The samples were first annealed for different times (30, 60, 90 and 120 min) at 300 ◦ C and then at different temperatures (100 ◦ C–600 ◦ C) in order to determine the optimum annealing time and temperature, respectively. Before annealing, themore » ZnO nanorod arrays showed a broad yellow–orange visible and near-band gap UV emission peaks. After annealing in a forming gas atmosphere, the intensity of the sub-band gap PL was significantly reduced and the near-band gap PL emission intensity correspondingly increased (especially at temperatures higher than 100 ◦ C). Based on the ratio of the peak intensity ratio before and after annealing, it was concluded that samples at 350 ◦ C for 90 min resulted in the best near-band gap PL emission. Similarly, the analysis of the pulse height spectrum resulting from alpha particles revealed that ZnO nanorod arrays similarly annealed at 350 ◦ C for 90 min exhibited the highest scintillation response.« less

Controllable synthesis of ZnxCd1-xS@ZnO core-shell nanorods with enhanced photocatalytic activity.

PubMed

Xie, Shilei; Lu, Xihong; Zhai, Teng; Gan, Jiayong; Li, Wei; Xu, Ming; Yu, Minghao; Zhang, Yuan-Ming; Tong, Yexiang

2012-07-17

We report the synthesis of Zn(x)Cd(1-x)S@ZnO nanorod arrays via a facile two-step process and the implementation of these core-shell nanorods as an environmental friendly and recyclable photocatalyst for methyl orange degradation. The band gap of Zn(x)Cd(1-x)S@ZnO core-shell nanorods can be readily tunable by adjusting the ratio of Zn/Cd during the synthesis. These Zn(x)Cd(1-x)S@ZnO core-shell nanorods exhibit a high photocatalytic activity and good stability in the degradation of the methyl orange. Moreover, these films grown on FTO substrates make the collection and recycle of the photocatalyst easier. These findings may open new opportunities for the design of effective, stable, and easy-recyclable photocatalytic materials.

Tunable growth of TiO2 nanostructures on Ti substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Xinsheng; Wang, Jingpeng; Thomas, Dan F.; Chen, Aicheng

2005-10-01

A simple and facile method is described to directly synthesize TiO2 nanostructures on titanium substrates by oxidizing Ti foil using small organic molecules as the oxygen source. The effect of reaction temperature and oxygen source on the formation of the TiO2 nanostructures has been studied using scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and water contact angle measurement. Polycrystalline grains are formed when pure oxygen and formic acid are used as the oxygen source; elongated micro-crystals are produced when water vapour is used as the oxygen source; oriented and aligned TiO2 nanorod arrays are synthesized when ethanol, acetaldehyde or acetone are used as the oxygen source. The growth mechanism of the TiO2 nanostructures is discussed. The diffusion of Ti atoms to the oxide/gas interface via the network of the grain boundaries of the thin oxide layer is the determining factor for the formation of well-aligned TiO2 nanorod arrays. The wetting properties of the TiO2 nanostructured surfaces formed are dictated by their structure, varying from a hydrophilic surface to a strongly hydrophobic surface as the surface structure changes from polycrystalline grains to well-aligned nanorod arrays. This tunable growth of TiO2 nanostructures is desirable for promising applications of TiO2 nanostructures in the development of optical devices, sensors, photo-catalysts and self-cleaning coatings.

Pt-Ni/WC Alloy Nanorods Arrays as ORR Catalyst for PEM Fuel Cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Begum, Mahbuba; Yurukcu, Mesut; Yurtsever, Fatma

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) among the other types of fuel cell technology are attractive power sources, especially for electric vehicle applications. While significant progress and plausible prospects of PEMFCs have been achieved, there are still some challenges related to the performance, durability, and cost that need to be overcome to make them economically viable for widespread commercialization. Our strategy is to develop thin films of high-active and stable catalyst coated on vertically aligned nanorod arrays of conductive and stable support. In this work, we fabricated tungsten carbide (WC) nanorods as support and coated them with a platinum-nickel (Pt-Ni)more » alloy shell denoted as Pt-Ni/WC catalysts. The Pt- Ni/WC nanorods were deposited on glassy carbon disks as well as on silicon substrates for evaluation of their electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity and physical properties. Cyclic voltammetry experiments using rotating disk electrode were performed in perchloric acid (0.1 M HClO4) electrolyte at room temperature to characterize the ORR activity and stability of Pt-Ni/WC nanorods catalysts. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques were utilized to study the morphology and crystallographic properties, respectively.« less

High quality boron carbon nitride/ZnO-nanorods p-n heterojunctions based on magnetron sputtered boron carbon nitride films

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Qian, J. C.; Department of Engineering Physics, Polytechnique Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H3A 3A7; Jha, S. K., E-mail: skylec@gmail.com, E-mail: apwjzh@cityu.edu.hk

2014-11-10

Boron carbon nitride (BCN) films were synthesized on Si (100) and fused silica substrates by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering from a B{sub 4}C target in an Ar/N{sub 2} gas mixture. The BCN films were amorphous, and they exhibited an optical band gap of ∼1.0 eV and p-type conductivity. The BCN films were over-coated with ZnO nanorod arrays using hydrothermal synthesis to form BCN/ZnO-nanorods p-n heterojunctions, exhibiting a rectification ratio of 1500 at bias voltages of ±5 V.

Annealing effect on the photoluminescence properties of ZnO nanorod array prepared by a PLD-assistant wet chemical method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wei Sufeng; Lian Jianshe; Wu Hua, E-mail: weisufeng@gmail.com

2010-11-15

Well-aligned ZnO nanorod arrays were synthesized by a wet chemical method on the glass substrate with ZnO thin film as seed layer prepared by pulsed laser deposition. The effect of annealing temperature on the luminescence characteristics was investigated. As the annealing temperature increased, the photoluminescence properties show a general enhancing tendency. The nanorod array with high ultraviolet emission and negligible visible light emission (designated by the photoluminescence intensity ratio of ultraviolet to visible emission of 66.4) is obtained by annealing the sample at 700 deg. C for 1 h. Based on the results of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectra,more » the mechanisms of visible emission were discussed. - Research Highlights: {yields} ZnO nanorod array with good crystallography, low defects concentration and good optical property was obtained after annealed at 700 deg. C for 1 h. {yields} The transition from the conduction band to the O{sub i} level may be responsible for the yellow-green emission. {yields} The yellow emission may originate from the presence of Zn(OH){sub 2} on the surface or the band transition from conduction band to V{sub o}Zn{sub i} level. {yields} The transition from the Zn{sub i} level to the level should produce an orange emission or an orange-red emission.« less

Highly exothermic and superhydrophobic Mg/fluorocarbon core/shell nanoenergetic arrays.

PubMed

Zhou, Xiang; Xu, Daguo; Yang, Guangcheng; Zhang, Qiaobao; Shen, Jinpeng; Lu, Jian; Zhang, Kaili

2014-07-09

Mg/fluorocarbon core/shell nanoenergetic arrays are prepared onto silicon substrate, with Mg nanorods as the core and fluorocarbon as the shell. Mg nanorods are deposited by the glancing angle deposition technique, and the fluorocarbon layer is then prepared as a shell to encase the Mg nanorods by the magnetron sputtering deposition process. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy show the core/shell structure of the Mg/fluorocarbon arrays. X-ray energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy are used to characterize the structural composition of the Mg/fluorocarbon. It is found that the as-prepared fluorocarbon layer consists of shorter molecular chains compared to that of bulk polytetrafluoroethylene, which is proven beneficial to the low onset reaction temperature of Mg/fluorocarbon. Water contact angle test demonstrates the superhydrophobicity of the Mg/fluorocarbon arrays, and a static contact angle as high as 162° is achieved. Thermal analysis shows that the Mg/fluorocarbon material exhibits a very low onset reaction temperature of about 270 °C as well as an ultrahigh heat of reaction approaching 9 kJ/g. A preliminary combustion test reveals rapid combustion wave propagation, and a convective mechanism is adopted to explain the combustion behaviors.

Fabrication of graphene/titanium carbide nanorod arrays for chemical sensor application.

PubMed

Fu, Chong; Li, Mingji; Li, Hongji; Li, Cuiping; Qu, Changqing; Yang, Baohe

2017-03-01

Vertically stacked graphene nanosheet/titanium carbide nanorod array/titanium (graphene/TiC nanorod array) wires were fabricated using a direct current arc plasma jet chemical vapor deposition (DC arc plasma jet CVD) method. The graphene/TiC nanorod arrays were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. The TiO 2 nanotube array was reduced to the TiC nanorod array, and using those TiC nanorods as nucleation sites, the vertical graphene layer was formed on the TiC nanorod surface. The multi-target response mechanisms of the graphene/TiC nanorod array were investigated for ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA), uric acid (UA), and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). The vertically stacked graphene sheets facilitated the electron transfer and reactant transport with a unique porous surface, high surface area, and high electron transport network of CVD graphene sheets. The TiC nanorod array facilitated the electron transfer and firmly held the graphene layer. Thus, the graphene/TiC nanorod arrays could simultaneously respond to trace biomarkers and antihypertensive drugs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Patterned synthesis of ZnO nanorod arrays for nanoplasmonic waveguide applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lamson, Thomas L.; Khan, Sahar; Wang, Zhifei; Zhang, Yun-Kai; Yu, Yong; Chen, Zhe-Sheng; Xu, Huizhong

2018-03-01

We report the patterned synthesis of ZnO nanorod arrays of diameters between 50 nm and 130 nm and various spacings. This was achieved by patterning hole arrays in a polymethyl methacrylate layer with electron beam lithography, followed by chemical synthesis of ZnO nanorods in the patterned holes using the hydrothermal method. The fabrication of ZnO nanorod waveguide arrays is also demonstrated by embedding the nanorods in a silver film using the electroplating process. Optical transmission measurement through the nanorod waveguide arrays is performed and strong resonant transmission of visible light is observed. We have found the resonance shifts to a longer wavelength with increasing nanorod diameter. Furthermore, the resonance wavelength is independent of the nanowaveguide array period, indicating the observed resonant transmission is the effect of a single ZnO nanorod waveguide. These nanorod waveguides may be used in single-molecule imaging and sensing as a result of the nanoscopic profile of the light transmitted through the nanorods and the controlled locations of these nanoscale light sources.

Evolution of the composition, structure, and piezoelectric performance of (K1-xNax)NbO3 nanorod arrays with hydrothermal reaction time

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Wenchao; Wang, Zhao; Li, Meng; He, Yahua; Hu, Xiaokang; Li, Luying; Gao, Yihua; Hu, Yongming; Gu, Haoshuang; Wang, Xiaolin

2018-04-01

Lead-free (K,Na)NbO3 (KNN) nanorod arrays were synthesized with the assistance of a Nb: SrTiO3 single-crystal substrate through the hydrothermal process. The evolutions of the morphology, composition, and structure of the as-synthesized KNN nanorods with the increase in reaction time were investigated. The results confirmed that the increase in reaction time up to 3 h led to the increase in the length and aspect ratio of the well-aligned KNN nanorods. All samples have K-rich orthorhombic crystal structures, while the diffraction peaks shifted towards a higher degree. The peak shifts should be attributed to the increase in the Na content in the KNN lattice, which could decrease the lattice parameters owing to the small ionic radius of Na+ than that of K+. Moreover, the increase in reaction time also resulted in the suppression of oxygen vacancies on the surface of the KNN nanorods. These evolutions of the composition and crystal structure, as well as the decrease in the defect content, lead to great enhancement of the nanorod's piezoelectric response, as their d33 value was increased from 19 to 64 pm/V. These results demonstrated the significant impact of reaction time on the hydrothermal growth of high-performance lead-free KNN one-dimensional nanomaterials.

Nanoscale characterization of GaN/InGaN multiple quantum wells on GaN nanorods by photoluminescence spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Weijian; Wen, Xiaoming; Latzel, Michael; Yang, Jianfeng; Huang, Shujuan; Shrestha, Santosh; Patterson, Robert; Christiansen, Silke; Conibeer, Gavin

2017-02-01

GaN/InGaN multiple quantum wells (MQW) and GaN nanorods have been widely studied as a candidate material for high-performance light emitting diodes. In this study, GaN/InGaN MQW on top of GaN nanorods are characterized in nanoscale using confocal microscopy associated with photoluminescence spectroscopy, including steady-state PL, timeresolved PL and fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM). Nanorods are fabricated by etching planar GaN/InGaN MQWs on top of a GaN layer on a c-plane sapphire substrate. Photoluminescence efficiency from the GaN/InGaN nanorods is evidently higher than that of the planar structure, indicating the emission improvement. Time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) prove that surface defects on GaN nanorod sidewalls have a strong influence on the luminescence property of the GaN/InGaN MWQs. Such surface defects can be eliminated by proper surface passivation. Moreover, densely packed nanorod array and sparsely standing nanorods have been studied for better understanding the individual property and collective effects from adjacent nanorods. The combination of the optical characterization techniques guides optoelectronic materials and device fabrication.

Preparation of thin hexagonal highly-ordered anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template onto silicon substrate and growth ZnO nanorod arrays by electrodeposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chahrour, Khaled M.; Ahmed, Naser M.; Hashim, M. R.; Elfadill, Nezar G.; Qaeed, M. A.; Bououdina, M.

2014-12-01

In this study, anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates of Aluminum thin films onto Ti-coated silicon substrates were prepared for growth of nanostructure materials. Hexagonally highly ordered thin AAO templates were fabricated under controllable conditions by using a two-step anodization. The obtained thin AAO templates were approximately 70 nm in pore diameter and 250 nm in length with 110 nm interpore distances within an area of 3 cm2. The difference between first and second anodization was investigated in details by in situ monitoring of current-time curve. A bottom barrier layer of the AAO templates was removed during dropping the voltage in the last period of the anodization process followed by a wet etching using phosphoric acid (5 wt%) for several minutes at ambient temperature. As an application, Zn nanorod arrays embedded in anodic alumina (AAO) template were fabricated by electrodeposition. Oxygen was used to oxidize the electrodeposited Zn nanorods in the AAO template at 700 °C. The morphology, structure and photoluminescence properties of ZnO/AAO assembly were analyzed using Field-emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Atomic force microscope (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence (PL).

Growth of Well-Aligned ZnO Nanorod Arrays and Their Application for Photovoltaic Devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Zhaolin; Yao, Juncai

2017-11-01

We have fabricated well-aligned ZnO nanorod arrays (ZNRAs) on indium tin oxide-coated glass substrates by a facile chemical bath deposition method. We used field-emission scanning electron microscope, x-ray diffraction and UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy to study the morphology, crystalline structure and optical absorption of the fabricated ZNRAs, respectively. The results showed that ZnO nanorods stood almost perpendicularly on the substrate, were about 30-50 nm in diameter and 800-900 nm in length, and were wurtzite-structured (hexagonal) ZnO. In addition, well-aligned ZNRAs exhibited a weak absorption in the visible region and had an optical band gap value of 3.28 eV. Furthermore, a hybrid ZNRAs/polymer photovoltaic device was made, under 1 sun AM 1.5 illumination (light intensity, ˜100 mW/cm2), and the device showed an open circuit voltage ( V oc) of 0.32 V, a short circuit current density ( J sc) of 7.67 mA/cm2, and a fill factor ( FF) of 0.37, yielding an overall power conversion efficiency of 0.91%. Also, the exciton dissociation and transportation processes of charge carriers in the device under illumination were explained according to its current density-voltage ( J- V) curve and the energy level diagram.

Tunable Electromagnetic Coupling in Plasmonic Nanostructures Mediated by Thermoresponsive Polymer Brushes.

PubMed

Nguyen, Mai; Kanaev, Andrei; Sun, Xiaonan; Lacaze, Emmanuelle; Lau-Truong, Stéphanie; Lamouri, Aazdine; Aubard, Jean; Felidj, Nordin; Mangeney, Claire

2015-11-24

A smart and highly SERS-active plasmonic platform was designed by coupling regular arrays of nanotriangles to colloidal gold nanorods via a thermoresponsive polymer spacer (poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), PNIPAM). The substrates were prepared by combining a top-down and a bottom-up approach based on nanosphere lithography, surface-initiated controlled radical polymerization, and colloidal assembly. This multistep strategy provided regular hexagonal arrays of nanotriangles functionalized by polymer brushes and colloidal gold nanorods, confined exclusively on the nanotriangle surface. Interestingly, one could finely tune the gold nanorod impregnation on the polymer-coated nanostructures by adjusting the polymer layer thickness, leading to highly coupled plasmonic systems for intense SERS signal. Moreover, the thermoresponsive properties of the PNIPAM brushes could be wisely handled in order to monitor the SERS activity of the nanostructures coupled via this polymer spacer. The coupled hybrid plasmonic nanostructures designed in this work are therefore very promising smart platforms for the sensitive detection of analytes by SERS.

A study of the effects of aligned vertically growth time on ZnO nanorods deposited for the first time on Teflon substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farhat, O. F.; Halim, M. M.; Ahmed, Naser M.; Oglat, Ammar A.; Abuelsamen, A. A.; Bououdina, M.; Qaeed, M. A.

2017-12-01

In this study, ZnO nanorods (NRs) were well deposited on Teflon substrates (PTFE) via a chemical bath deposition (CBD) method at low temperature. The consequences of growth time (1 h-4 h) on the structural and optical properties of the aligned ZnO (NRs) were investigated through X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and photoluminescence (PL) analyses. The results show that the ZnO (NRs) were preferred to grew aligned along the c-axis as hexagonal wurtzite structure as proved by the sharp and strong ZnO (002) peaks of the ZnO (NRs). Irrespective of the growth continuation, FESEM photos confirmed that the ZnO nanorods arrays were fit to be aligned along the c-axis and perpendicular to (PTFE) substrates. The ZnO nanorods that exhibited the sharper stand most intense PL peaks among the sample were grown for 3hs as demonstrated by PL spectra. The device further showed a sensitivity of 4068 to low-power (1.25 mW/cm2) 375 nm light pulses without an external bias. The measurements of photoresponse demonstrated the highly reproducible characteristics of the fabricated UV detector with rapid response and baseline recovery times of 48.05 ms. Thus, this work introduced a simple, low-cost method of fabricating rapid-response, and highly photosensitive UV detectors with zero power consumption on Teflon substrates.

Low temperature grown ZnO@TiO{sub 2} core shell nanorod arrays for dye sensitized solar cell application

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Goh, Gregory Kia Liang; Le, Hong Quang, E-mail: lehq@imre.a-star.edu.sg; Huang, Tang Jiao

High aspect ratio ZnO nanorod arrays were synthesized on fluorine-doped tin oxide glasses via a low temperature solution method. By adjusting the growth condition and adding polyethylenimine, ZnO nanorod arrays with tunable length were successfully achieved. The ZnO@TiO{sub 2} core shells structures were realized by a fast growth method of immersion into a (NH{sub 4}){sub 2}·TiF{sub 6} solution. Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray Diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray measurements all confirmed the existence of a titania shell uniformly covering the ZnO nanorod's surface. Results of solar cell testing showed that addition of a TiO{sub 2} shell to the ZnO nanorod significantlymore » increased short circuit current (from 4.2 to 5.2 mA/cm{sup 2}), open circuit voltage (from 0.6 V to 0.8 V) and fill factor (from 42.8% to 73.02%). The overall cell efficiency jumped from 1.1% for bare ZnO nanorod to 3.03% for a ZnO@TiO{sub 2} core shell structured solar cell with a 18–22 nm shell thickness, a nearly threefold increase. - Graphical abstract: The synthesis process of coating TiO{sub 2} shell onto ZnO nanorod core is shown schematically. A thin, uniform, and conformal shell had been grown on the surface of the ZnO core after immersing in the (NH{sub 4}){sub 2}·TiF{sub 6} solution for 5–15 min. - Highlights: • ZnO@TiO{sub 2} core shell nanorod has been grown on FTO substrate using low temperature solution method. • TEM, XRD, EDX results confirmed the existing of titana shell, uniformly covered rod's surface. • TiO{sub 2} shell suppressed recombination, demonstrated significant enhancement in cell's efficiency. • Core shell DSSC's efficiency achieved as high as 3.03%, 3 times higher than that of ZnO nanorods.« less

Hierarchical core-shell structure of ZnO nanorod@NiO/MoO₂ composite nanosheet arrays for high-performance supercapacitors.

PubMed

Hou, Sucheng; Zhang, Guanhua; Zeng, Wei; Zhu, Jian; Gong, Feilong; Li, Feng; Duan, Huigao

2014-08-27

A hierarchical core-shell structure of ZnO nanorod@NiO/MoO2 composite nanosheet arrays on nickel foam substrate for high-performance supercapacitors was constructed by a two-step solution-based method involving two hydrothermal processes followed by a calcination treatment. Compared to one composed of pure NiO/MoO2 composite nanosheets, the hierarchical core-shell structure electrode displays better pseudocapacitive behaviors in 2 M KOH, including high areal specific capacitance values of 1.18 F cm(-2) at 5 mA cm(-2) and 0.6 F cm(-2) at 30 mA cm(-2) as well as relatively good rate capability at high current densities. Furthermore, it also shows remarkable cycle stability, remaining at 91.7% of the initial value even after 4000 cycles at a current density of 10 mA cm(-2). The enhanced pseudocapacitive behaviors are mainly due to the unique hierarchical core-shell structure and the synergistic effect of combining ZnO nanorod arrays and NiO/MoO2 composite nanosheets. This novel hierarchical core-shell structure shows promise for use in next-generation supercapacitors.

Plasmonic nanorod arrays of a two-segment dimer and a coaxial cable with 1 nm gap for large field confinement and enhancement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Zi-Qiang; Nan, Fan; Yang, Da-Jie; Zhong, Yu-Ting; Ma, Liang; Hao, Zhong-Hua; Zhou, Li; Wang, Qu-Quan

2015-01-01

Seeking plasmonic nanostructures with large field confinement and enhancement is significant for photonic and electronic nanodevices with high sensitivity, reproducibility, and tunability. Here, we report the synthesis of plasmonic arrays composed of two-segment dimer nanorods and coaxial cable nanorods with ~1 nm gap insulated by a self-assembled Raman molecule monolayer. The gap-induced plasmon coupling generates an intense field in the gap region of the dimer junction and the cable interlayer. As a result, the longitudinal plasmon resonance of nanorod arrays with high tunability is obviously enhanced. Most interestingly, the field enhancement of dimer nanorod arrays can be tuned by the length ratio L1/L2 of the two segments, and the maximal enhancement appears at L1/L2 = 1. In that case, the two-photon luminescence (TPL) of dimer nanorod arrays and the Raman intensity in the dimer junction is enhanced by 27 and 30 times, respectively, under resonant excitation. In the same way, the Raman intensity in the gap region is enhanced 16 times for the coaxial cable nanorod arrays. The plasmonic nanorod arrays synthesized by the facile method, having tunable plasmon properties and large field enhancement, indicate an attractive pathway to the photonic nanodevices.Seeking plasmonic nanostructures with large field confinement and enhancement is significant for photonic and electronic nanodevices with high sensitivity, reproducibility, and tunability. Here, we report the synthesis of plasmonic arrays composed of two-segment dimer nanorods and coaxial cable nanorods with ~1 nm gap insulated by a self-assembled Raman molecule monolayer. The gap-induced plasmon coupling generates an intense field in the gap region of the dimer junction and the cable interlayer. As a result, the longitudinal plasmon resonance of nanorod arrays with high tunability is obviously enhanced. Most interestingly, the field enhancement of dimer nanorod arrays can be tuned by the length ratio L1/L2 of the two segments, and the maximal enhancement appears at L1/L2 = 1. In that case, the two-photon luminescence (TPL) of dimer nanorod arrays and the Raman intensity in the dimer junction is enhanced by 27 and 30 times, respectively, under resonant excitation. In the same way, the Raman intensity in the gap region is enhanced 16 times for the coaxial cable nanorod arrays. The plasmonic nanorod arrays synthesized by the facile method, having tunable plasmon properties and large field enhancement, indicate an attractive pathway to the photonic nanodevices. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr05544f

Aqueous chemical growth of free standing vertical ZnO nanoprisms, nanorods and nanodiskettes with improved texture co-efficient and tunable size uniformity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ram, S. D. Gopal; Ravi, G.; Athimoolam, A.; Mahalingam, T.; Kulandainathan, M. Anbu

2011-12-01

Tuning the morphology, size and aspect ratio of free standing ZnO nanostructured arrays by a simple hydrothermal method is reported. Pre-coated ZnO seed layers of two different thicknesses (≈350 nm or 550 nm) were used as substrates to grow ZnO nanostructures for the study. Various parameters such as chemical ambience, pH of the solution, strength of the Zn2+ atoms and thickness of seed bed are varied to analyze their effects on the resultant ZnO nanostructures. Vertically oriented hexagonal nanorods, multi-angular nanorods, hexagonal diskette and popcorn-like nanostructures are obtained by altering the experimental parameters. All the produced nanostructures were analysed by X-ray powder diffraction analysis and found to be grown in the (002) orientation of wurtzite ZnO. The texture co-efficient of ZnO layer was improved by combining a thick seed layer with higher cationic strength. Surface morphological studies reveal various nanostructures such as nanorods, diskettes and popcorn-like structures based on various preparation conditions. The optical property of the closest packed nanorods array was recorded by UV-VIS spectrometry, and the band gap value simulated from the results reflect the near characteristic band gap of ZnO. The surface roughness profile taken from the Atomic Force Microscopy reveals a roughness of less than 320 nm.

Nanostructured surfaces using thermal nanoimprint lithography: Applications in thin membrane technology, piezoelectric energy harvesting and tactile pressure sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nabar, Bhargav Pradip

Nanoimprint lithography (NIL) is emerging as a viable contender for fabrication of large-scale arrays of 5-500 nm features. The work presented in this dissertation aims to leverage the advantages of NIL for realization of novel Nano Electro Mechanical Systems (NEMS). The first application is a nanoporous membrane blood oxygenator system. A fabrication process for realization of thin nanoporous membranes using thermal nanoimprint lithography is presented. Suspended silicon nitride membranes were fabricated by Low-Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition (LPCVD) in conjunction with a potassium hydroxide-based bulk micromachining process. Nanoscale features were imprinted into a commercially available thermoplastic polymer resist using a pre-fabricated silicon mold. The pattern was reversed and transferred to a thin aluminum oxide layer by means of a novel two stage lift-off technique. The patterned aluminum oxide was used as an etch mask in a CHF3/He based reactive ion etch process to transfer the pattern to silicon nitride. Highly directional etch profiles with near vertical sidewalls and excellent Si3N4/Al2O3 etch selectivity was observed. One-micrometer-thick porous membranes with varying dimensions of 250x250 microm2 to 450x450 microm 2 and pore diameter of 400 nm have been engineered and evaluated. Results indicate that the membranes have consistent nanopore dimensions and precisely defined porosity, which makes them ideal as gas exchange interfaces in blood oxygenation systems as well as other applications such as dialysis. Additionally, bulk -- micromachined microfluidic channels have been developed for uniform, laminar blood flow with minimal cell trauma. NIL has been used for ordered growth of crystalline nanostructures for sensing and energy harvesting. Highly ordered arrays of crystalline ZnO nanorods have been fabricated using a polymer template patterned by thermal nanoimprint lithography, in conjunction with a low temperature hydrothermal growth process. Zinc Oxide nanorods were characterized to determine their piezoelectric response to an applied force. An atomic force microscope operating in the force spectroscopy mode was used to apply forces in the nN range. In contrast to previously published reports using lateral tip motion (C-AFM), the action of the tip in our experiment was perpendicular to the plane of the nanorods, allowing a more defined tip -- nanorod interaction. Voltage pulses of a positive polarity with amplitude ranging from hundreds of microV to few mV were observed. The tip -- nanorod interaction was modeled using commercial solid modeling software and was simulated using finite element analysis. Comparison of the results yielded useful observations for design of piezoelectric energy harvesters/sensors using ZnO nanorods. A nanoelectromechanical (NEMS) piezoelectric energy harvester using crystalline ZnO nanowires is developed. The device converts ambient vibrations into usable electrical energy for low power sensor applications. This is accomplished by mechanical excitation of an ordered ZnO nanorod array using a suspended bulk micromachined proof mass. The device is capable of generating up to 14.2 mV single polarity voltage under an input vibration of amplitude 1 g (9.8 m/s2) at a frequency of 1.10 kHz. Finally, large area arrays of ordered ZnO piezoelectric nanorods are developed on flexible substrates towards self-powered sensing skin for robots. The sensor array is designed to measure tactile pressure in the 10 kPa-- 200 kPa range with 1 mm spatial resolution. A voltage signal in the range of few mV is observed in response to applied pressure. This work represents the first demonstration of perfectly ordered, vertically aligned, crystalline ZnO nanorod arrays, fabricated in polyimides to ensure conformity to non-planar surfaces such as a robot's. The sensors are self-packaged using a flexible substrate and a superstrate. In addition to the novelty of the sensor structure itself, the work includes an innovative low-temperature hydrothermal ZnO growth process compatible with the temperature restrictions imposed by the polyimide substrate/superstrate.

Ultrafine Ti4+ doped α-Fe2O3 nanorod array photoanodes with high charge separation efficiency for solar water splitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yilin; Liu, Jie; Luo, Wenjun; Wen, Xin; Liu, Xiaokang; Zou, Zhigang; Huang, Wei

2017-06-01

Hematite (α-Fe2O3) is a promising photoanode material for solar water splitting due to its suitable band gap, earth-abundance, excellent stability and non-toxicity. However, a short hole diffusion length limits its performance. A nanorod array structure can shorten hole transfer distance to photoelectrode/electrolyte interface and decrease recombination of photo-generated carriers. However, average diameters of all previously reported nanorods are over 50 nm, thus being too thick for holes to transfer to the interface. It is still a big challenge to prepare a Fe2O3 nanorod array photoelectrode with finer diameter. In this study, we prepare an ultrafine α-Fe2O3 nanorod array film with average diameter about 25 nm by calcining γ-FeOOH for the first time. The ultrafine nanorod array photoanode indicates much higher carrier separation efficiency and performance than a conventional nanorod array film.

ZnO nanorod array/CuAlO2 nanofiber heterojunction on Ni substrate: synthesis and photoelectrochemical properties.

PubMed

Ding, Juan; Sui, Yongming; Fu, Wuyou; Yang, Haibin; Zhao, Bo; Li, Minghui

2011-07-22

A novel ZnO nanorod array (NR)/CuAlO(2) nanofiber (NF) heterojunction nanostructure was grown on a substrate of Ni plates using sol-gel synthesis for the NFs and hydrothermal reaction for the NRs. Compared with a traditional ZnO/CuAlO(2) laminar film nanostructure, the photocurrent of this fibrous network heterojunction is significantly increased. A significant blue-shift of the absorption edge and a favorable forward current to reverse current ratio at applied voltages of -2 to +2 V were observed in this heterojunction with the increase of Zn(2+) ion concentration in the hydrothermal reaction. Furthermore, the photoelectrochemical properties were investigated and the highest photocurrent of 3.1 mA cm(-2) was obtained under AM 1.5 illumination with 100 mW cm(-2) light intensity at 0.71 V (versus Ag/AgCl). This novel 3D fibrous network nanostructure plays an important role in the optoelectronic field and can be extended to other binary or ternary oxide compositions for various applications.

ZnO nanorod array/CuAlO2 nanofiber heterojunction on Ni substrate: synthesis and photoelectrochemical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ding, Juan; Sui, Yongming; Fu, Wuyou; Yang, Haibin; Zhao, Bo; Li, Minghui

2011-07-01

A novel ZnO nanorod array (NR)/CuAlO2 nanofiber (NF) heterojunction nanostructure was grown on a substrate of Ni plates using sol-gel synthesis for the NFs and hydrothermal reaction for the NRs. Compared with a traditional ZnO/CuAlO2 laminar film nanostructure, the photocurrent of this fibrous network heterojunction is significantly increased. A significant blue-shift of the absorption edge and a favorable forward current to reverse current ratio at applied voltages of - 2 to + 2 V were observed in this heterojunction with the increase of Zn2 + ion concentration in the hydrothermal reaction. Furthermore, the photoelectrochemical properties were investigated and the highest photocurrent of 3.1 mA cm - 2 was obtained under AM 1.5 illumination with 100 mW cm - 2 light intensity at 0.71 V (versus Ag/AgCl). This novel 3D fibrous network nanostructure plays an important role in the optoelectronic field and can be extended to other binary or ternary oxide compositions for various applications.

Electromagnetic wave propagation along T and Y-splitters composed of silicon nanorods, gold slots, and silica substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmadivand, Arash; Pala, Nezih; Golmohammadi, Saeed

2015-05-01

Silicon nanorods in arrays on a glass substrate that are situated through a gap between two gold slots have been utilized to design efficient long-range optical nanostructures as splitters to function at near infrared spectrum. Designing silicon arrays in T and Y-shape regimes, we examined the optical responses of the proposed devices during guiding of transverse and longitudinal electric modes (TE and LE-modes). Transmission loss factors, group velocity of guided waves, the ratio of transmitted power, and the decay length for both of the devices have been reported using numerical methods. We showed that the proposed structures have strong potentials to employ in designing photonic structures with lower ratio of energy extinction and low radiation losses. The overall length of the structures is 2.2 μm which verifies its compaction in comparison to analogous splitters that are designed based on DLSPPWs and nanoparticle-based waveguides devices. Proposed subwavelength optical power transportation mechanisms are highly compatible to employ in photonic integration circuit (PIC) systems.

Tailoring uniform gold nanoparticle arrays and nanoporous films for next-generation optoelectronic devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farid, Sidra; Kuljic, Rade; Poduri, Shripriya; Dutta, Mitra; Darling, Seth B.

2018-06-01

High-density arrays of gold nanodots and nanoholes on indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated glass surfaces are fabricated using a nanoporous template fabricated by the self-assembly of diblock copolymers of poly (styrene-block-methyl methacrylate) (PS-b-PMMA) structures. By balancing the interfacial interactions between the polymer blocks and the substrate using random copolymer, cylindrical block copolymer microdomains oriented perpendicular to the plane of the substrate have been obtained. Nanoporous PS films are created by selectively etching PMMA cylinders, a straightforward route to form highly ordered nanoscale porous films. Deposition of gold on the template followed by lift off and sonication leaves a highly dense array of gold nanodots. These materials can serve as templates for the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth of semiconductor nanorod arrays for next generation hybrid optoelectronic applications.

Cu-doped ZnO nanorod arrays: the effects of copper precursor and concentration

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Cu-doped ZnO nanorods have been grown at 90°C for 90 min onto a quartz substrate pre-coated with a ZnO seed layer using a hydrothermal method. The influence of copper (Cu) precursor and concentration on the structural, morphological, and optical properties of ZnO nanorods was investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the nanorods grown are highly crystalline with a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure grown along the c-axis. The lattice strain is found to be compressive for all samples, where a minimum compressive strain of −0.114% was obtained when 1 at.% Cu was added from Cu(NO3)2. Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate morphologies and the diameters of the grown nanorods. The morphological properties of the Cu-doped ZnO nanorods were influenced significantly by the presence of Cu impurities. Near-band edge (NBE) and a broad blue-green emission bands at around 378 and 545 nm, respectively, were observed in the photoluminescence spectra for all samples. The transmittance characteristics showed a slight increase in the visible range, where the total transmittance increased from approximately 80% for the nanorods doped with Cu(CH3COO)2 to approximately 90% for the nanorods that were doped with Cu(NO3)2. PMID:24855460

Plasmonic nanorod arrays of a two-segment dimer and a coaxial cable with 1 nm gap for large field confinement and enhancement.

PubMed

Cheng, Zi-Qiang; Nan, Fan; Yang, Da-Jie; Zhong, Yu-Ting; Ma, Liang; Hao, Zhong-Hua; Zhou, Li; Wang, Qu-Quan

2015-01-28

Seeking plasmonic nanostructures with large field confinement and enhancement is significant for photonic and electronic nanodevices with high sensitivity, reproducibility, and tunability. Here, we report the synthesis of plasmonic arrays composed of two-segment dimer nanorods and coaxial cable nanorods with ∼1 nm gap insulated by a self-assembled Raman molecule monolayer. The gap-induced plasmon coupling generates an intense field in the gap region of the dimer junction and the cable interlayer. As a result, the longitudinal plasmon resonance of nanorod arrays with high tunability is obviously enhanced. Most interestingly, the field enhancement of dimer nanorod arrays can be tuned by the length ratio L1/L2 of the two segments, and the maximal enhancement appears at L1/L2 = 1. In that case, the two-photon luminescence (TPL) of dimer nanorod arrays and the Raman intensity in the dimer junction is enhanced by 27 and 30 times, respectively, under resonant excitation. In the same way, the Raman intensity in the gap region is enhanced 16 times for the coaxial cable nanorod arrays. The plasmonic nanorod arrays synthesized by the facile method, having tunable plasmon properties and large field enhancement, indicate an attractive pathway to the photonic nanodevices.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Scarpellini, D.; Paoloni, S.; Medaglia, P.G.

Highlights: • ZnO nanorods were grown on Au and Ag films in aqueous solution by galvanic effect. • The method is prone to metal contamination which can influence the ZnO properties. • Iron doping improves the lattice matching between ZnO and the substrate. • Energy levels of point defects are lowered and the light emission is red-shifted. • Galvanic-induced nucleation starts and proceeds continuously during the growth. - Abstract: Dense arrays of vertically aligned ZnO nanorods have been grown onto either silver or gold seedless substrates trough a simple hydrothermal method by exploiting the galvanic effect between the substrate andmore » metallic parts. The nanorods exhibit larger bases and more defined hexagonal shapes, in comparison with standard non-galvanic wet-chemistry synthesis. X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows that the iron contamination, associated with the galvanic contact, significantly improves the in-plane compatibility of ZnO with the Au and Ag cubic lattice. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements indicate that the contamination does not affect the number density of localized defects, but lowers their energy levels uniformly; differently, the band-edge emission is not altered appreciably. Finally, we have found that the ZnO hetero-nucleation by galvanic effect initiates at different times in different sites of the substrate area. Our results can be useful for the fabrication of high performance piezonanodevices comprising high-density metal-to-ZnO nanoscaled junctions without intermediate polycrystalline layers.« less

Ultra-Fast Microwave Synthesis of ZnO Nanorods on Cellulose Substrates for UV Sensor Applications

PubMed Central

Pimentel, Ana; Samouco, Ana; Araújo, Andreia; Martins, Rodrigo; Fortunato, Elvira

2017-01-01

In the present work, tracing and Whatman papers were used as substrates to grow zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures. Cellulose-based substrates are cost-efficient, highly sensitive and environmentally friendly. ZnO nanostructures with hexagonal structure were synthesized by hydrothermal under microwave irradiation using an ultrafast approach, that is, a fixed synthesis time of 10 min. The effect of synthesis temperature on ZnO nanostructures was investigated from 70 to 130 °C. An Ultra Violet (UV)/Ozone treatment directly to the ZnO seed layer prior to microwave assisted synthesis revealed expressive differences regarding formation of the ZnO nanostructures. Structural characterization of the microwave synthesized materials was carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The optical characterization has also been performed. The time resolved photocurrent of the devices in response to the UV turn on/off was investigated and it has been observed that the ZnO nanorod arrays grown on Whatman paper substrate present a responsivity 3 times superior than the ones grown on tracing paper. By using ZnO nanorods, the surface area-to-volume ratio will increase and will improve the sensor sensibility, making these types of materials good candidates for low cost and disposable UV sensors. The sensors were exposed to bending tests, proving their high stability, flexibility and adaptability to different surfaces. PMID:29140304

Facile Synthesis of Ultrafine Hematite Nanowire Arrays in Mixed Water-Ethanol-Acetic Acid Solution for Enhanced Charge Transport and Separation.

PubMed

Wang, Jian; Wang, Menglong; Zhang, Tao; Wang, Zhiqiang; Guo, Penghui; Su, Jinzhan; Guo, Liejin

2018-04-18

Nanostructure engineering is of great significance for semiconductor electrode to achieve high photoelectrochemical performance. Herein, we report a novel strategy to fabricate ultrafine hematite (α-Fe 2 O 3 ) nanowire arrays in a mixed water-ethanol-acetic acid (WEA) solvent. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on direct growth of ultrafine (∼10 nm) α-Fe 2 O 3 nanowire arrays on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates through solution-based fabrication process. The effect of WEA ratio on the morphology of nanowires has been systematically studied to understand the formation mechanism. Photoelectrochemical measurements were conducted on both Ti-treated α-Fe 2 O 3 nanowire and nanorod photoelectrodes. It reveals that α-Fe 2 O 3 nanowire electrode has higher photocurrent and charge separation efficiencies than nanorod electrode if the carrier concentration and space-charge carrier width are in the same order of magnitude. Normalized by electrochemically active surface area, the Ti-treated α-Fe 2 O 3 nanowire electrode obtains 6.4 times higher specific photocurrent density than nanorod electrode. This superiority of nanowires arises from the higher bulk and surface charge separation efficiencies, which could be partly attributed to reduced distance that holes must transfer to reach the semiconductor-liquid junction.

Room temperature synthesis and optical properties of small diameter (5 nm) ZnO nanorod arrays.

PubMed

Cho, Seungho; Jang, Ji-Wook; Lee, Jae Sung; Lee, Kun-Hong

2010-10-01

We report a simple wet-chemical synthesis of ∼5 nm diameter ZnO nanorod arrays at room temperature (20 °C) and normal atmospheric pressure (1 atm) and their optical properties. They were single crystalline in nature, and grew in the [001] direction. These small diameter ZnO nanorod arrays can also be synthesized at 0 °C. Control experiments were also conducted. On the basis of the results, we propose a mechanism for the spontaneous growth of the small diameter ZnO structures. The optical properties of the 5 nm diameter ZnO nanorod arrays synthesized using this method were probed by UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. A clear blue-shift, relative to the absorption band from 50 nm diameter ZnO nanorod arrays, was attributed to the quantum confinement effects caused by the small nanocrystal size in the 5 nm diameter ZnO nanorods.

Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells Depending on TiO2 Nanorod Arrays.

PubMed

Li, Xin; Dai, Si-Min; Zhu, Pei; Deng, Lin-Long; Xie, Su-Yuan; Cui, Qian; Chen, Hong; Wang, Ning; Lin, Hong

2016-08-24

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with TiO2 materials have attracted much attention due to their high photovoltaic performance. Aligned TiO2 nanorods have long been used for potential application in highly efficient perovskite solar cells, but the previously reported efficiencies of perovskite solar cells based on TiO2 nanorod arrays were underrated. Here we show a solvothermal method based on a modified ketone-HCl system with the addition of organic acids suitable for modulation of the TiO2 nanorod array films to fabricate highly efficient perovskite solar cells. Photovoltaic measurements indicated that efficient nanorod-structured perovskite solar cells can be achieved with the length of the nanorods as long as approximately 200 nm. A record efficiency of 18.22% under the reverse scan direction has been optimized by avoiding direct contact between the TiO2 nanorods and the hole transport materials, eliminating the organic residues on the nanorod surfaces using UV-ozone treatment and tuning the nanorod array morphologies through addition of different organic acids in the solvothermal process.

Flexible piezoelectric nanogenerators based on a transferred ZnO nanorod/Si micro-pillar array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Baek, Seong-Ho; Park, Il-Kyu

2017-03-01

Flexible piezoelectric nanogenerators (PNGs) based on a composite of ZnO nanorods (NRs) and an array of Si micro-pillars (MPs) are demonstrated by a transfer process. The flexible composite structure was fabricated by hydrothermal growth of ZnO NRs on an electrochemically etched Si MP array with various lengths followed by mechanically delaminating the Si MP arrays from the Si substrate after embedding them in a polydimethylsiloxane matrix. Because the Si MP arrays act as a supporter to connect the ZnO NRs electrically and mechanically, verified by capacitance measurement, the output voltage from the flexible PNGs increased systematically with the increased density ZnO NRs depending on the length of the Si MPs. The flexible PNGs showed 3.2 times higher output voltage with a small change in current with increasing Si MP length from 5 to 20 μm. The enhancement of the output voltage is due to the increased number of series-connected ZnO NRs and the beneficial effect of a ZnO NR/Si MP heterojunction on reducing free charge screening effects. The flexible PNGs can be attached on fingers as a wearable electrical power source or motion sensor.

Vertically aligned diamond-graphite hybrid nanorod arrays with superior field electron emission properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramaneti, R.; Sankaran, K. J.; Korneychuk, S.; Yeh, C. J.; Degutis, G.; Leou, K. C.; Verbeeck, J.; Van Bael, M. K.; Lin, I. N.; Haenen, K.

2017-06-01

A "patterned-seeding technique" in combination with a "nanodiamond masked reactive ion etching process" is demonstrated for fabricating vertically aligned diamond-graphite hybrid (DGH) nanorod arrays. The DGH nanorod arrays possess superior field electron emission (FEE) behavior with a low turn-on field, long lifetime stability, and large field enhancement factor. Such an enhanced FEE is attributed to the nanocomposite nature of the DGH nanorods, which contain sp2-graphitic phases in the boundaries of nano-sized diamond grains. The simplicity in the nanorod fabrication process renders the DGH nanorods of greater potential for the applications as cathodes in field emission displays and microplasma display devices.

Y-doping TiO2 nanorod arrays for efficient perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, Xinlian; Wang, Yanqing; Cui, Zhendong; Li, Long; Shi, Chengwu

2018-05-01

To improve the electron transportation in TiO2 nanorod arrays and charge separation in the interface of TiO2/perovskite, Y-doping TiO2 nanorod arrays with the length of 200 nm, diameter of 11 nm and areal density of 1050 μm-2 were successfully prepared by the hydrothermal method and the influence of Y/Ti molar ratios of 0%, 3%, 5% in the hydrothermal grown solutions on the growth of TiO2 nanorod arrays was investigated. The results revealed that the appropriate Y/Ti molar ratios can increase the areal density of the corresponding TiO2 nanorod arrays and improve the charge separation in the interface of the TiO2/perovskite. The Y-doping TiO2 nanorod array perovskite solar cells with the Y/Ti molar ratio of 3% exhibited a photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.11% along with an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.06 V, short-circuit photocurrent density (Jsc) of 22.50 mA cm-2 and fill factor (FF) of 76.16%, while the un-doping TiO2 nanorod array perovskite solar cells gave a PCE of 16.42% along with Voc of 1.04 V, Jsc of 21.66 mA cm-2 and FF of 72.97%.

Construction of self-supported porous TiO2/NiO core/shell nanorod arrays for electrochemical capacitor application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, J. B.; Guo, R. Q.; Huang, X. H.; Lin, Y.

2013-12-01

High-quality metal oxides hetero-structured nanoarrays have been receiving great attention in electrochemical energy storage application. Self-supported TiO2/NiO core/shell nanorod arrays are prepared on carbon cloth via the combination of hydrothermal synthesis and electro-deposition methods. The obtained core/shell nanorods consist of nanorod core and interconnected nanoflake shell, as well as hierarchical porosity. As cathode materials for pseudo-capacitors, the TiO2/NiO core/shell nanorod arrays display impressive electrochemical performances with both high capacitance of 611 F g-1 at 2 A g-1, and pretty good cycling stability with a retention of 89% after 5000 cycles. Besides, as compared to the single NiO nanoflake arrays on carbon cloth, the TiO2/NiO core/shell nanorod arrays exhibit much better electrochemical properties with higher capacitance, better electrochemical activity and cycling life. This enhanced performance is mainly due to the core/shell nanorods architecture offering fast ion/electron transfer and sufficient contact between active materials and electrolyte.

Effect of the polymeric coating thickness on the photocurrent performance of titanium dioxide nanorod arrays-polyaniline composite-based UV photosensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yusoff, M. M.; Mamat, M. H.; Malek, M. F.; Othman, , N.; Ismail, A. S.; Saidi, S. A.; Mohamed, R.; Suriani, A. B.; Khusaimi, Z.; Rusop, M.

2018-05-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanorod arrays (TNAs) were synthesized and deposited on fluorine tin oxide (FTO)-coated glass substrate using a one-step immersion method in a glass container. The effect of the polymeric coating thickness of p-type polyaniline (PANI) on the n-type TNAs was investigated in the p-n heterojunction photodiode (PD) for the application of ultraviolet (UV) photosensor. The fabricated photosensor demonstrated an increased photocurrent under UV irradiation in correlation with the thickness layer of PANI. The measured UV response showed the highest photocurrent of 0.014 µA at 1.0 V of reverse bias with low dark current under the UV radiation (365 nm, 750 µW/cm2). The thickness of the PANI film improved the photocurrent of the fabricated TNAs/PANI composite-based UV photosensor.

Synthesis of p-type nickel oxide nanosheets on n-type titanium dioxide nanorod arrays for p-n heterojunction-based UV photosensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yusoff, M. M.; Mamat, M. H.; Malek, M. F.; Abdullah, M. A. R.; Ismail, A. S.; Saidi, S. A.; Mohamed, R.; Suriani, A. B.; Khusaimi, Z.; Rusop, M.

2018-05-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanorod arrays (TNAs) were synthesized and deposited on fluorine tin oxide (FTO)-coated glass substrate using a novel and facile immersion method in a glass container. The synthesis and deposition of p-type nickel oxide (NiO) nanosheets (NS) on the n-type TNAs was investigated in the p-n heterojunction photodiode (PD) for the application of ultraviolet (UV) photosensor. The fabricated TNAs/NiO NS based UV photosensor exhibited a highly increased photocurrent of 4.3 µA under UV radiation (365 nm, 750 µW/cm2) at 1.0 V reverse bias. In this study, the fabricated TNAs/NiO NS p-n heterojunction based photodiode showed potential applications for UV photosensor based on the stable photo-generated current attained under UV radiation.

Light propagation in nanorod arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahachou, A. I.; Zozoulenko, I. V.

2007-03-01

We study the propagation of TM- and TE-polarized light in two-dimensional arrays of silver nanorods of various diameters in a gelatin background. We calculate the transmittance, reflectance and absorption of arranged and disordered nanorod arrays and compare the exact numerical results with the predictions of the Maxwell-Garnett effective-medium theory. We show that interactions between nanorods, multipole contributions and formations of photonic gaps affect strongly the transmittance spectra that cannot be accounted for in terms of the conventional effective-medium theory. We also demonstrate and explain the degradation of the transmittance in arrays with randomly located rods as well as the weak influence of their fluctuating diameter. For TM modes we outline the importance of the skin effect, which causes the full reflection of the incoming light. We then illustrate the possibility of using periodic arrays of nanorods as high-quality polarizers.

Cobalt selenide hollow nanorods array with exceptionally high electrocatalytic activity for high-efficiency quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jin, Zhitong; Zhang, Meirong; Wang, Min; Feng, Chuanqi; Wang, Zhong-Sheng

2018-02-01

In quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells (QSDSSCs), electron transport through a random network of catalyst in the counter electrode (CE) and electrolyte diffusion therein are limited by the grain boundaries of catalyst particles, thus diminishing the electrocatalytic performance of CE and the corresponding photovoltaic performance of QSDSSCs. We demonstrate herein an ordered Co0.85Se hollow nanorods array film as the Pt-free CE of QSDSSCs. The Co0.85Se hollow nanorods array displays excellent electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of I3- in the quasi-solid-state electrolyte with extremely low charge transfer resistance at the CE/electrolyte interface, and the diffusion of redox species within the Co0.85Se hollow nanorods array CE is pretty fast. The QSDSSC device with the Co0.85Se hollow nanorods array CE produces much higher photovoltaic conversion efficiency (8.35%) than that (4.94%) with the Co0.85Se randomly packed nanorods CE, against the control device with the Pt CE (7.75%). Moreover, the QSDSSC device based on the Co0.85Se hollow nanorods array CE presents good long-term stability with only 4% drop of power conversion efficiency after 1086 h one-sun soaking.

Manipulating polymers and composites from the nanoscopic to microscopic length scales

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Suresh

2008-10-01

This thesis focuses on the manipulation of polymers and composites on length scales ranging from the nanoscopic to microscopic. In particular, on the microscopic length scale electric fields were used to produce instabilities at the air surface and at polymer interfaces that lead to novel three dimensional structures and patterns. On the nanoscopic length scale, the interaction of ligands attached to nanoparticles and polymer matrix were used to induce self-assembly processes that, in turn, lead to systems that self-heal, self-corral, or are patterned. For manipulation at the micron length scale, electrohydrodynamic instabilities were used in trilayer system composed of a layer of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), a second layer of polystyrene (PS) and a third layer of air. Dewetting of the polymer at the substrate at the polymer/polymer interface under an applied electric field was used to generate novel three dimensional structures. Also, electrohydrodynamic instabilities were used to pattern thin polymer films in conjunction with ultrasonic vibrations and patterned upper electrodes. Self-assembly processes involving polymers and nanoparticles offer a unique means of generating pattern materials or materials that self heal. Simple polymer/nanoparticle composites were investigated. Here, in the absence of interactions between the poly(ethylene oxide) ligands attached to the nanoparticles and PMMA polymer matrix, the opportunity to generate self-healing systems was opened. The size of the nanoparticle was varied and the effect on diffusion of nanoparticle in the polymer matrix was studied. CdSe nanorods were also assembled on a substrate templated with or guided by microphase separated diblock copolymers. The nanorods were incorporated in the diblock copolymer thin films by spin coating the co-solution of nanorods and polymer, surface adsorption of nanorods on to the patterned diblock copolymer films and surface reconstruction of PS/PMMA diblock copolymer thin film. Further, the interactions between the PMMA polymer matrix and the tri n-octyl phosphine oxide ligands attached to an anisotropic nanoparticle, i.e. nanorods, were used to influence the dispersion of the nanorods in the polymer. This led to a novel assembly, termed self-corralling where under an applied electric field highly oriented, highly ordered arrays of nanorods form. Further, self corralling of nanorods was directed by chemically patterned substrates.

Multifunctional transparent ZnO nanorod films.

PubMed

Kwak, Geunjae; Jung, Sungmook; Yong, Kijung

2011-03-18

Transparent ZnO nanorod (NR) films that exhibit extreme wetting states (either superhydrophilicity or superhydrophobicity through surface chemical modification), high transmittance, UV protection and antireflection have been prepared via the facile ammonia hydrothermal method. The periodic 1D ZnO NR arrays showed extreme wetting states as well as antireflection properties due to their unique surface structure and prevented the UVA region from penetrating the substrate due to the unique material property of ZnO. Because of the simple, time-efficient and low temperature preparation process, ZnO NR films with useful functionalities are promising for fabrication of highly light transmissive, antireflective, UV protective, antifogging and self-cleaning optical materials to be used for optical devices and photovoltaic energy devices.

Rich variety of substrates for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Bich Ha; Hieu Nguyen, Van; Nhung Tran, Hong

2016-09-01

The efficiency of the application of surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technique to each specified purpose significantly depends on the choice of the SERS substrate with an appropriate structure as well as on its performance. Until the present time a rich variety of SERS substrates was fabricated. They can be classified according to their structures. The present work is a review of main types of SERS substrates for using in the trace analysis application. They can be classified into 4 groups: (1) Substrates using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with spherical shape such as colloidal AuNPs, AuNPs fabricated by pulsed laser deposition, by sputtering or by capillary force assembly (CFA), substrates fabricated by electrospinning technique, substrates using metallic nanoparticle arrays fabricated by electron beam lithography combined with CFA method, substrates using silver nanoparticle (AgNP) arrays grain by chemical seeded method, substrates with tunable surface plasmon resonance, substrates based on precies subnanometer plasmonic junctions within AuNP assemblies, substrates fabricated by simultaneously immobilizing both AuNPs and AgNPs on the same glass sides etc. (2) Substrates using nanostructures with non-spherical shapes such as gold nanowire (NW), or highly anisotropic nickel NW together with large area, free-standing carpets, substrates with obviously angular, quasi-vertically aligned cuboid-shaped TiO2 NW arrays decorated with AgNPs, substrates using gold nanoprism monolayer films, substrates using silver nanocube dimmers or monodisperse close-packed gold nanotriangle monolayers. (3) Substrates using multiparticle complex nanostructure such as nanoparticle cluster arrays, gold nanoflowers and nanodendrites. (4) Flexible substrate such as paper-based swab with gold nanorods, adhesive polymer tapes fabricated by inkjet printing method and flexible and adhesive SERS tapes fabricated by decorating AuNPs via the conventional drop-dry method.

Embedded vertically aligned cadmium telluride nanorod arrays grown by one-step electrodeposition for enhanced energy conversion efficiency in three-dimensional nanostructured solar cells.

PubMed

Wang, Jun; Liu, Shurong; Mu, Yannan; Liu, Li; A, Runa; Yang, Jiandong; Zhu, Guijie; Meng, Xianwei; Fu, Wuyou; Yang, Haibin

2017-11-01

Vertically aligned CdTe nanorods (NRs) arrays are successfully grown by a simple one-step and template-free electrodeposition method, and then embedded in the CdS window layer to form a novel three-dimensional (3D) heterostructure on flexible substrates. The parameters of electrodeposition such as deposition potential and pH of the solution are varied to analyze their important role in the formation of high quality CdTe NRs arrays. The photovoltaic conversion efficiency of the solar cell based on the 3D heterojunction structure is studied in detail. In comparison with the standard planar heterojunction solar cell, the 3D heterojunction solar cell exhibits better photovoltaic performance, which can be attributed to its enhanced optical absorption ability, increased heterojunction area and improved charge carrier transport. The better photoelectric property of the 3D heterojunction solar cell suggests great application potential in thin film solar cells, and the simple electrodeposition process represents a promising technique for large-scale fabrication of other nanostructured solar energy conversion devices. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Growth of High-Density Zinc Oxide Nanorods on Porous Silicon by Thermal Evaporation

PubMed Central

Rusli, Nurul Izni; Tanikawa, Masahiro; Mahmood, Mohamad Rusop; Yasui, Kanji; Hashim, Abdul Manaf

2012-01-01

The formation of high-density zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods on porous silicon (PS) substrates at growth temperatures of 600–1000 °C by a simple thermal evaporation of zinc (Zn) powder in the presence of oxygen (O2) gas was systematically investigated. The high-density growth of ZnO nanorods with (0002) orientation over a large area was attributed to the rough surface of PS, which provides appropriate planes to promote deposition of Zn or ZnOx seeds as nucleation sites for the subsequent growth of ZnO nanorods. The geometrical morphologies of ZnO nanorods are determined by the ZnOx seed structures, i.e., cluster or layer structures. The flower-like hexagonal-faceted ZnO nanorods grown at 600 °C seem to be generated from the sparsely distributed ZnOx nanoclusters. Vertically aligned hexagonal-faceted ZnO nanorods grown at 800 °C may be inferred from the formation of dense arrays of ZnOx clusters. The formation of disordered ZnO nanorods formed at 1000 °C may due to the formation of a ZnOx seed layer. The growth mechanism involved has been described by a combination of self-catalyzed vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) and vapor-solid (VS) mechanism. The results suggest that for a more precise study on the growth of ZnO nanostructures involving the introduction of seeds, the initial seed structures must be taken into account given their significant effects.

Novel Gas Sensor Based on ZnO Nanorod Circular Arrays for C2H5OH Gas Detection.

PubMed

Jianjiao, Zhang; Hongyan, Yue; Erjun, Guo; Shaolin, Zhang; Liping, Wang; Chunyu, Zhang; Xin, Gao; Jing, Chang; Hong, Zhang

2015-03-01

Novel side-heating gas sensor based on ZnO nanorod circular arrays was firstly fabricated by hydrothermal treatment assisted with a kind of simple dip-coating technique. The structure and morphologies of ZnO nanorods were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), respectively. XRD result indicates that the obtained ZnO nanorods have good crystalline with the hexagonal wurtzite structure. SEM result indicates that ZnO nanorod arrays are vertically growth on the surface of ceramic tube of side-heating sensor with controlled diameter and length, narrow size distribution and high orientation. The gas sensing properties of ZnO nanorod circular arrays are also evaluated. Comparative to the sensor based on scattered ZnO nanorods responding to 25 ppm H2, CO, C6H5CH3 and C2H5OH gas, respectively, the sensing values of high orientation gas sensor are generally increased by 5%. This novel sensor has good application promising for the fabrication of cost effective and high performance gas sensors.

Tunable Metasurface and Flat Optical Zoom Lens on a Stretchable Substrate.

PubMed

Ee, Ho-Seok; Agarwal, Ritesh

2016-04-13

A mechanically reconfigurable metasurface that can continuously tune the wavefront is demonstrated in the visible frequency range by changing the lattice constant of a complex Au nanorod array fabricated on a stretchable polydimethylsiloxane substrate. It is shown that the anomalous refraction angle of visible light at 632.8 nm interacting with the tunable metasurface can be adjusted from 11.4° to 14.9° by stretching the substrate by ∼30%. An ultrathin flat 1.7× zoom lens whose focal length can continuously be changed from 150 to 250 μm is realized, which also demonstrates the potential of utilizing metasurfaces for reconfigurable flat optics.

Pr3+ doped biphasic TiO2 (rutile-brookite) nanorod arrays grown on activated carbon fibers: Hydrothermal synthesis and photocatalytic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Min; Zhang, Xiaomei; Liu, Ying; Yang, Yi

2018-05-01

Praseodymium-doped biphasic TiO2 (rutile-brookite) nanorod arrays (Pr-TiO2 NRAs) were successfully prepared via a two-step hydrothermal reaction on activated carbon fibers (ACFs) which pre-coated with TiO2 nanoparticles at first step. The bicrystalline arrays grown on ACFs are primarily constructed by the well-aligned TiO2 nanorods growing along [0 0 1] direction, which were indicated by the results of SEM and XRD. The nanorods are uniform in diameter and length with about 250 nm and 2.5 μm. The composite photocatalyst with high specific surface area and well-aligned nanostructure are beneficial to enhance the adsorption capacity and even help to suppress electron-hole recombination effectively, which consequently revealed much better (2 times) catalytic performance than that of commercially available P25 TiO2 on methylene blue(MB) photodegradation. In addition, the existence of praseodymium in TiO2 gives rise to shift of absorption edge towards long wavelength, which was indicated by the results of UV-vis DRS. Photodegradation results reveal that Pr-doping significantly improves the activity of TiO2, which was 20% higher than that of undoped TiO2 NRAs for the photodegradation of MB in aqueous medium under visible light irradiation. Meanwhile, the doped amount of Pr had a tiny influence on the photocatalytic performance of the composites. In our experiment, 3% Pr-doped molar concentration was proven to be the relatively optimal dopant concentration for the doping of TiO2 NRAs. Moreover, the photocatalyst grown on ACFs substrates is favorable to reuse and photodegradation rate kept on 76% even after 4 times of reuse.

Controlled growth of c-axis oriented ZnO nanorod array films by electrodeposition method and characterization.

PubMed

Arslan, Andaç; Hür, Evrim; Ilican, Saliha; Caglar, Yasemin; Caglar, Mujdat

2014-07-15

ZnO nanorod array films were deposited from aqueous solution containing different concentrations (1×10(-2) M and 5×10(-3) M) Zn(NO3)2⋅6H2O and C6H12N4 and at different electrodeposition times (i.e., 15 min, 30 min, 60 min, 120 min and 180 min) using chronoamperometry method on p-Si substrate. Surface morphology and crystal structural properties of ZnO films were investigated by XRD and FESEM to select ZnO films which have optimum properties. The highest TC(hkl) value was observed in (002) plane for the film, which is deposited at 1×10(-2) M and 120 min. It is also observed that the highly oriented nanorods in this film are denser. Additionally, the conductivity type was determined by using Mott-Schottky which is electrochemical impedance spectroscopy method (EIS). On the other hand, to investigate the utility of obtained ZnO on p-Si (p-Si/n-ZnO) as supercapacitor electrode active material, the electrochemical storage properties of p-Si/ZnO was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and repeating chronopotentiometry methods. It is suggested from electrochemical tests results that p-Si/ZnO is a promising electrode materials for supercapacitor applications that required low voltage (<10 V). Rectifiying behavior was observed from the I-V characteristic of nanorod array n-ZnO/p-Si heterojunction diode. The n value, Io and the ϕb were found to be 5.48, 1.93×10(-8) A and 0.75 eV, respectively. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Solid-State Dewetting of Gold Aggregates/Islands on TiO2 Nanorod Structures Grown by Oblique Angle Deposition.

PubMed

Liu, Shizhao; Plawsky, Joel L

2017-12-12

A composite film made of a stable gold nanoparticle (NP) array with well-controlled separation and size atop a TiO 2 nanorod film was fabricated via the oblique angle deposition (OAD) technique. The fabrication of the NP array is based on controlled, Rayleigh-instability-induced, solid-state dewetting of as-deposited gold aggregates on the TiO 2 nanorods. It was found that the initial spacing between as-deposited gold aggregates along the vapor flux direction should be greater than the TiO 2 interrod spacing created by 80° OAD to control dewetting and produce NP arrays. A numerical investigation of the process was conducted using a phase-field modeling approach. Simulation results showed that coalescence between neighboring gold aggregates is likely to have caused the uncontrolled dewetting in the 80° deposition, and this could be circumvented if the initial spacing between gold aggregates is larger than a critical value s min . We also found that TiO 2 nanorod tips affect dewetting dynamics differently than planar TiO 2 . The topology of the tips can induce contact line pinning and an increase in the contact angle along the vapor flux direction to the supported gold aggregates. These two effects are beneficial for the fabrication of monodisperse NPs based on Rayleigh-instability-governed self-assembly of materials, as they help to circumvent the undesired coalescence and facilitate the instability growth on the supported material. The findings uncover the application potential of OAD as a new method to fabricate structured films as template substrates to mediate dewetting. The reported composite films would have uses in optical coatings and photocatalytic systems, taking advantage of their ability to combine plasmonic nanostructures within a nanostructured dielectric film.

Electromagnetic enhancement of ordered silver nanorod arrays evaluated by discrete dipole approximation.

PubMed

Wei, Guoke; Wang, Jinliang; Chen, Yu

2015-01-01

The enhancement factor (EF) of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) from two-dimensional (2D) hexagonal silver nanorod (AgNR) arrays were investigated in terms of electromagnetic (EM) mechanism by using the discrete dipole approximation (DDA) method. The dependence of EF on several parameters, i.e., structure, length, excitation wavelength, incident angle and polarization, and gap size has been investigated. "Hotspots" were found distributed in the gaps between adjacent nanorods. Simulations of AgNR arrays of different lengths revealed that increasing the rod length from 374 to 937 nm (aspect ratio from 2.0 to 5.0) generated more "hotspots" but not necessarily increased EF under both 514 and 532 nm excitation. A narrow lateral gap (in the incident plane) was found to result in strong EF, while the dependence of EF on the diagonal gap (out of the incident plane) showed an oscillating behavior. The EF of the array was highly dependent on the angle and polarization of the incident light. The structure of AgNR and the excitation wavelength were also found to affect the EF. The EF of random arrays was stronger than that of an ordered one with the same average gap of 21 nm, which could be explained by the exponential dependence of EF on the lateral gap size. Our results also suggested that absorption rather than extinction or scattering could be a good indicator of EM enhancement. It is expected that the understanding of the dependence of local field enhancement on the structure of the nanoarrays and incident excitations will shine light on the optimal design of efficient SERS substrates and improved performance.

Structural, optical, and electrical properties of Ni-doped ZnO nanorod arrays prepared via sonicated sol-gel immersion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ismail, A. S.; Mamat, M. H.; Malek, M. F.; Saidi, S. A.; Yusoff, M. M.; Mohamed, R.; Sin, N. D. Md; Suriani, A. B.; Rusop, M.

2018-05-01

Nickel (Ni)-doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod array films were synthesised using sonicated sol-gel immersion method. The FESEM images showed that the Ni-doped ZnO nanorod arrays possess hexagonal shape with average diameter about 120 nm and thickness about 1.10 µm. The Ni-doped ZnO nanorod arrays possess better transmittance properties with 3.27 eV of optical band gap energy and 40 meV of urbach energy. The current-voltage (I-V) measurement indicated that the conductivity of ZnO film slightly improved with Ni-doping. The doped film displayed good humidity sensing performance with sensitivity of 1.21.

Electroluminescence of ordered ZnO nanorod array/p-GaN light-emitting diodes with graphene current spreading layer

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Ordered ZnO nanorod array/p-GaN heterojunction light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been fabricated by introducing graphene as the current spreading layer, which exhibit improved electroluminescence performance by comparison to the LED using a conventional structure (indium-tin-oxide as the current spreading layer). In addition, by adjusting the diameter of ZnO nanorod array in use, the light emission of the ZnO nanorod array/p-GaN heterojunction LEDs was enhanced further. This work has great potential applications in solid-state lighting, high performance optoelectronic devices, and so on. PACS 78.60.Fi; 85.60.Jb; 78.67.Lt; 81.10.Dn PMID:25489284

Electroluminescence of ordered ZnO nanorod array/p-GaN light-emitting diodes with graphene current spreading layer.

PubMed

Dong, Jing-Jing; Hao, Hui-Ying; Xing, Jie; Fan, Zhen-Jun; Zhang, Zi-Li

2014-01-01

Ordered ZnO nanorod array/p-GaN heterojunction light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been fabricated by introducing graphene as the current spreading layer, which exhibit improved electroluminescence performance by comparison to the LED using a conventional structure (indium-tin-oxide as the current spreading layer). In addition, by adjusting the diameter of ZnO nanorod array in use, the light emission of the ZnO nanorod array/p-GaN heterojunction LEDs was enhanced further. This work has great potential applications in solid-state lighting, high performance optoelectronic devices, and so on. 78.60.Fi; 85.60.Jb; 78.67.Lt; 81.10.Dn.

Maximizing omnidirectional light harvesting in metal oxide hyperbranched array architectures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Wu-Qiang; Feng, Hao-Lin; Rao, Hua-Shang; Xu, Yang-Fan; Kuang, Dai-Bin; Su, Cheng-Yong

2014-05-01

The scrupulous design of nanoarchitectures and smart hybridization of specific active materials are closely related to the overall photovoltaic performance of an anode electrode. Here we present a solution-based strategy for the fabrication of well-aligned metal oxide-based nanowire-nanosheet-nanorod hyperbranched arrays on transparent conducting oxide substrates. For these hyperbranched arrays, we observe a twofold increment in dye adsorption and enhanced light trapping and scattering capability compared with the pristine titanium dioxide nanowires, and thus a power conversion efficiency of 9.09% is achieved. Our growth approach presents a strategy to broaden the photoresponse and maximize the light-harvesting efficiency of arrays architectures, and may lead to applications for energy conversion and storage, catalysis, water splitting and gas sensing.

Maximizing omnidirectional light harvesting in metal oxide hyperbranched array architectures.

PubMed

Wu, Wu-Qiang; Feng, Hao-Lin; Rao, Hua-Shang; Xu, Yang-Fan; Kuang, Dai-Bin; Su, Cheng-Yong

2014-05-29

The scrupulous design of nanoarchitectures and smart hybridization of specific active materials are closely related to the overall photovoltaic performance of an anode electrode. Here we present a solution-based strategy for the fabrication of well-aligned metal oxide-based nanowire-nanosheet-nanorod hyperbranched arrays on transparent conducting oxide substrates. For these hyperbranched arrays, we observe a twofold increment in dye adsorption and enhanced light trapping and scattering capability compared with the pristine titanium dioxide nanowires, and thus a power conversion efficiency of 9.09% is achieved. Our growth approach presents a strategy to broaden the photoresponse and maximize the light-harvesting efficiency of arrays architectures, and may lead to applications for energy conversion and storage, catalysis, water splitting and gas sensing.

A high efficiency microreactor with Pt/ZnO nanorod arrays on the inner wall for photodegradation of phenol.

PubMed

Zhang, Quan; Zhang, Qinghong; Wang, Hongzhi; Li, Yaogang

2013-06-15

A high efficiency microreactor with Pt coated ZnO (Pt/ZnO) nanorod arrays on the inner wall was successfully fabricated by pumping a Pt sol into the microchannel containing preformed ZnO nanorod arrays. Phenol was selected as a persistent organic pollutant to evaluate the photocatalytic performance of the microreactors. The microreactor which was coated by Pt sol for 5 min showed the best photocatalytic performance compared with other Pt/ZnO nanorod array-modified microreactors. The presence of Pt nanoparticles on the surfaces of ZnO nanorods promoted the separation of photoinduced electron-hole pairs and thus enhanced the photocatalytic activity. In addition, the recyclable property of the microcreator was investigated. It was found that the microreactor displayed higher durability during the continuous photocatalytic process. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Strong Surface Diffusion Mediated Glancing-Angle Deposition: Growth, Recrystallization and Reorientation of Tin Nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Huan-Hua; Shi, Yi-Jian; William, Chu; Yigal, Blum

2008-01-01

Different from usual glancing-angle deposition where low surface diffusion is necessary to form nanorods, strong surface diffusion mediated glancing-angle deposition is exemplified by growing tin nanorod films on both silicon and glass substrates simultaneously via thermal evaporation. During growth, the nanorods were simultaneously baked by the high-temperature evaporator, and therefore re-crystallized into single crystals in consequence of strong surface diffusion. The monocrystalline tin nanorods have a preferred orientation perpendicular to the substrate surface, which is quite different from the usual uniformly oblique nanorods without recrystallization.

Highly piezoelectric BaTiO3 nanorod bundle arrays using epitaxially grown TiO2 nanomaterials.

PubMed

Jang, Seon-Min; Yang, Su Chul

2018-06-08

Low-dimensional piezoelectric nanostructures such as nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanowires, nanoribbons and nanosheets have been developed for potential applications as energy harvesters, tunable sensors, functional transducers and low-power actuators. In this study, lead-free BaTiO 3 nanorod bundle arrays (NBA) with highly piezoelectric properties were successfully synthesized on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate via a two-step process consisting of TiO 2 epitaxial growth and BaTiO 3 conversion. Through the TiO 2 epitaxial growth on FTO substrate, (001) oriented TiO 2 nanostructures formed vertically-aligned NBA with a bundle diameter of 80 nm and an aspect ratio of six. In particular, chemical etching of the TiO 2 NBA was conducted to enlarge the surface area for effective Ba 2+ ion diffusion during the perovskite conversion process from TiO 2 to BaTiO 3 . The final structure of perovskite BaTiO 3 NBA was found to exhibit a feasible piezoelectric response of 3.56 nm with a clear phase change of 180° from the single BaTiO 3 bundle, by point piezoelectric forced microscopy (PFM) analysis. Consequently, highly piezoelectric NBA could be a promising nanostructure for various nanoscale electronic devices.

Highly piezoelectric BaTiO3 nanorod bundle arrays using epitaxially grown TiO2 nanomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Seon-Min; Yang, Su Chul

2018-06-01

Low-dimensional piezoelectric nanostructures such as nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanowires, nanoribbons and nanosheets have been developed for potential applications as energy harvesters, tunable sensors, functional transducers and low-power actuators. In this study, lead-free BaTiO 3 nanorod bundle arrays (NBA) with highly piezoelectric properties were successfully synthesized on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate via a two-step process consisting of TiO2 epitaxial growth and BaTiO3 conversion. Through the TiO2 epitaxial growth on FTO substrate, (001) oriented TiO2 nanostructures formed vertically-aligned NBA with a bundle diameter of 80 nm and an aspect ratio of six. In particular, chemical etching of the TiO2 NBA was conducted to enlarge the surface area for effective Ba2+ ion diffusion during the perovskite conversion process from TiO2 to BaTiO3. The final structure of perovskite BaTiO3 NBA was found to exhibit a feasible piezoelectric response of 3.56 nm with a clear phase change of 180° from the single BaTiO3 bundle, by point piezoelectric forced microscopy (PFM) analysis. Consequently, highly piezoelectric NBA could be a promising nanostructure for various nanoscale electronic devices.

Separating light absorption layer from channel in ZnO vertical nanorod arrays based photodetectors for high-performance image sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Yang; Wu, Congjun; Xu, Zhihao; Wang, Fei; Wang, Min

2018-05-01

Photoconductor arrays with both high responsivity and large ON/OFF ratios are of great importance for the application of image sensors. Herein, a ZnO vertical nanorod array based photoconductor with a light absorption layer separated from the device channel has been designed, in which the photo-generated carriers along the axial ZnO nanorods drive to the external electrodes through nanorod-nanorod junctions in the dense layer at the bottom. This design allows us to enhance the photocurrent with unchanged dark current by increasing the ratio between the ZnO nanorod length and the thickness of the dense layer to achieve both high responsivity and large ON/OFF ratios. As a result, the as-fabricated devices possess a high responsivity of 1.3 × 105 A/W, a high ON/OFF ratio of 790, a high detectivity of 1.3 × 1013 Jones, and a low detectable light intensity of 1 μW/cm2. More importantly, the developed approach enables the integration of ZnO vertical nanorod array based photodetectors as image sensors with uniform device-to-device performance.

Insights into the enhanced photoelectrochemical performance of hydrothermally controlled hematite nanostructures for proficient solar water oxidation.

PubMed

Park, Jin Woo; Subramanian, Arunprabaharan; Mahadik, Mahadeo A; Lee, Su Yong; Choi, Sun Hee; Jang, Jum Suk

2018-03-28

In this paper, we focus on the controlled growth mechanism of α-Fe 2 O 3 nanostructures via the hydrothermal method. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) results reveal that at a lower hydrothermal time, the initial nucleation involves the formation of short and thin β-FeOOH nanorods. The subsequent increase in the hydrothermal time leads β-FeOOH to form thicker and longer nanorods. However, high-temperature quenching (HTQ) at 800 °C for 10 min causes the conversion of akaganeite to the hematite phase and activation of hematite by Sn 4+ diffusion from a FTO substrate. Sn 4+ diffusion from the FTO substrate to the hematite nanostructure was elaborated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). An α-Fe 2 O 3 nanorod photoanode prepared by a hydrothermal reaction for 3 h and HTQ exhibits the highest photocurrent density of 1.04 mA cm -2 . The excellent photoelectrochemical performance could be ascribed to the synergistic effect of the optimum growth of α-Fe 2 O 3 nanorod arrays and Sn 4+ diffusion. Intensity modulated photovoltage spectroscopy (IMVS) studies revealed that the α-Fe 2 O 3 photoanodes prepared at 3 h and HTQ exhibited a long electron lifetime (132.69 ms), and contribute to the enhanced PEC performance. The results confirmed that the controlled growth of the β-FeOOH nanorods, as well as Sn 4+ diffusion, played a key role in charge transfer during the photoelectrochemical application. The charge transfer mechanisms in α-Fe 2 O 3 nanostructure photoanodes prepared at different hydrothermal times and high-temperature quenching are also investigated.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Hongjiang; Gao, Yanfeng, E-mail: gaosic@gmail.com; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, Shangda Rd. 99, Baoshan, Shanghai 200444

A novel, hydrothermal and hard-template-free method was developed for the first time to grow oriented, single-crystalline monoclinic VO{sub 2} (B) flower-like nanorod films on transparent conductive fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates. The length and morphology of the nanorods can be tuned by changing the growth parameters, such as growth time and initial precursor concentration. The flower-like V{sub 2}O{sub 5} films were obtained after post-calcination treatment of VO{sub 2} (B) films. The photocatalytic activity of V{sub 2}O{sub 5} films was investigated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under UV and visible light. The prepared V{sub 2}O{sub 5} film exhibited goodmore » photocatalytic performance (74.6% and 63% under UV and visible light for 210 min, respectively) and more practical application in industry. - Graphical abstract: Flower nanostructured vanadium oxide film was prepared by hydrothermal reaction for photocatalysis application. - Highlights: • Monoclinic VO{sub 2} nanorod array and flower-like nanostructure were directly grown on FTO substrate by hydrothermal reaction. • The growth mechanism was analyzed by FESEM at different time. • V{sub 2}O{sub 5} flower-like nanostructure film was obtained after calcining VO{sub 2} film. • V{sub 2}O{sub 5} film exhibited good light activity and potential application in photocatalysis.« less

Effect of growth time on Ti-doped ZnO nanorods prepared by low-temperature chemical bath deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bidier, Shaker A.; Hashim, M. R.; Al-Diabat, Ahmad M.; Bououdina, M.

2017-04-01

Ti-doped ZnO nanorod arrays were grown onto Si substrate using chemical bath deposition (CBD) method at 93 °C. To investigate the effect of time deposition on the morphological, and structural properties, four Ti-doped ZnO samples were prepared at various deposition periods of time (2, 3.5, 5, and 6.5 h). FESEM images displayed high-quality and uniform nanorods with a mean length strongly dependent upon deposition time; i.e. it increases for prolonged growth time. Additionally, EFTEM images reveal a strong erosion on the lateral side for the sample prepared for 6.5 h as compared to 5 h. This might be attributed to the dissolution reaction of ZnO with for prolonged growth time. XRD analysis confirms the formation of a hexagonal wurtzite-type structure for all samples with a preferred growth orientation along the c-axis direction. The (100) peak intensity was enhanced and then quenched, which might be the result of an erosion on the lateral side of nanorods as seen in EFTEM. This study confirms the important role of growth time on the morphological features of Ti-doped ZnO nanorods prepared using CBD. Increase the growth time causes an erosion in lateral side -(100) direction XRD- and enhances the axial direction -(002), XRD.

Photoelectrocatalytic activity of a hydrothermally grown branched Zno nanorod-array electrode for paracetamol degradation.

PubMed

Lin, Chin Jung; Liao, Shu-Jun; Kao, Li-Cheng; Liou, Sofia Ya Hsuan

2015-06-30

Hierarchical branched ZnO nanorod (B-ZnR) arrays as an electrode for efficient photoelectrocatalytic degradation of paracetamol were grown on fluorine-doped tin oxide substrates using a solution route. The morphologic and structural studies show the ZnO trunks are single-crystalline hexagonal wurtzite ZnO with a [0001] growth direction and are densely covered by c-axis-oriented ZnO branches. The obvious enhancement in photocurrent response of the B-ZnR electrode was obtained than that in the ZnO nanoparticle (ZnO NP) electrode. For the photoelectrocatalytic degradation of paracetamol in 20 h, the conversion fraction of the drug increased from 32% over ZnO NP electrode to 62% over B-ZnR arrays with about 3-fold increase in initial reaction rate. The light intensity-dependent photoelectrocatalytic experiment indicated that the superior performance over the B-ZnR electrode was mainly ascribed to the increased specific surface area without significantly sacrificing the charge transport and pollutant diffusion efficiencies. Two aromatic intermediate compounds were observed and eventually converted into harmless carboxylic acids and ammonia. Hierarchical tree-like ZnO arrays can be considered effective alternatives to improve photoelectro degradation rates without the need for expensive additives. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Facile green in situ synthesis of Mg/CuO core/shell nanoenergetic arrays with a superior heat-release property and long-term storage stability.

PubMed

Zhou, Xiang; Xu, Daguo; Zhang, Qiaobao; Lu, Jian; Zhang, Kaili

2013-08-14

We report a facile green method for the in situ synthesis of Mg/CuO core/shell nanoenergetic arrays on silicon, with Mg nanorods as the core and CuO as the shell. Mg nanorods are first prepared by glancing angle deposition. CuO is then deposited around the Mg nanorods by reactive magnetron sputtering to realize the core/shell structure. Various characterization techniques are used to investigate the prepared Mg/CuO core/shell nanoenergetic arrays, including scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermal analysis. Uniform mixing and intimate contact between the Mg nanorods and CuO are confirmed from both visual inspection of the morphological images and analyses of the heat-release curves. The nanoenergetic arrays exhibit a low-onset reaction temperature (∼300 °C) and high heat of reaction (∼3400 J/g). Most importantly, the nanoenergetic arrays possess long-term storage stability resulting from the stable CuO shell. This study provides a potential general strategy for the synthesis of various Mg nanorod-based stable nanoenergetic arrays.

Fe 2O 3–TiO 2 core–shell nanorod arrays for visible light photocatalytic applications

DOE PAGES

Yao, Kun; Basnet, Pradip; Sessions, Henry; ...

2015-11-11

By using the glancing angle deposition technique and post-deposition annealing, Fe 2O 3–TiO 2 core-shell nanorod arrays with specific crystalline states can be designed and fabricated. The Fe 2O 3–TiO 2 core-shell samples annealed at temperatures greater than 450°C formed α-Fe 2O 3 and anatase TiO 2, and showed higher catalytic efficiency for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under visible light illumination when compared with pure anatase TiO 2 or α-Fe 2O 3 nanorod arrays. Solar conversion of carbon dioxide and water vapor in the presence of Fe 2O 3–TiO 2 core-shell nanorod arrays was also investigated. Carbon monoxide,more » hydrogen, methane, and methanol along with other hydrocarbons were produced after only several hours’ exposure under ambient sunlight. It was determined that the core-shell structure showed greater efficiency for solar CO 2 conversion than the pure TiO 2 nanorod arrays.« less

Microwave Synthesized ZnO Nanorod Arrays for UV Sensors: A Seed Layer Annealing Temperature Study.

PubMed

Pimentel, Ana; Ferreira, Sofia Henriques; Nunes, Daniela; Calmeiro, Tomas; Martins, Rodrigo; Fortunato, Elvira

2016-04-20

The present work reports the influence of zinc oxide (ZnO) seed layer annealing temperature on structural, optical and electrical properties of ZnO nanorod arrays, synthesized by hydrothermal method assisted by microwave radiation, to be used as UV sensors. The ZnO seed layer was produced using the spin-coating method and several annealing temperatures, ranging from 100 to 500 °C, have been tested. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and spectrophotometry measurements have been used to investigate the structure, morphology, and optical properties variations of the produced ZnO nanorod arrays regarding the seed layer annealing temperatures employed. After the growth of ZnO nanorod arrays, the whole structure was tested as UV sensors, showing an increase in the sensitivity with the increase of seed layer annealing temperature. The UV sensor response of ZnO nanorod arrays produced with the seed layer annealed temperature of 500 °C was 50 times superior to the ones produced with a seed layer annealed at 100 °C.

Microwave Synthesized ZnO Nanorod Arrays for UV Sensors: A Seed Layer Annealing Temperature Study

PubMed Central

Pimentel, Ana; Ferreira, Sofia Henriques; Nunes, Daniela; Calmeiro, Tomas; Martins, Rodrigo; Fortunato, Elvira

2016-01-01

The present work reports the influence of zinc oxide (ZnO) seed layer annealing temperature on structural, optical and electrical properties of ZnO nanorod arrays, synthesized by hydrothermal method assisted by microwave radiation, to be used as UV sensors. The ZnO seed layer was produced using the spin-coating method and several annealing temperatures, ranging from 100 to 500 °C, have been tested. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and spectrophotometry measurements have been used to investigate the structure, morphology, and optical properties variations of the produced ZnO nanorod arrays regarding the seed layer annealing temperatures employed. After the growth of ZnO nanorod arrays, the whole structure was tested as UV sensors, showing an increase in the sensitivity with the increase of seed layer annealing temperature. The UV sensor response of ZnO nanorod arrays produced with the seed layer annealed temperature of 500 °C was 50 times superior to the ones produced with a seed layer annealed at 100 °C. PMID:28773423

Quick and Selective Dual Mode Detection of H2S Gas by Mobile App Employing Silver Nanorods Array.

PubMed

Gahlaut, Shashank Kumar; Yadav, Kavita; Sharan, Chandrashekhar; Singh, Jitendra Pratap

2017-12-19

Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) is a hazardous gas, which not only harms living beings but also poses a significant risk to damage materials placed in culture and art museums, due to its corrosive nature. We demonstrate a novel approach for selective rapid detection of H 2 S gas using silver nanorods (AgNRs) arrays on glass substrates at ambient conditions. The arrays were prepared by glancing angle deposition method. The colorimetric and water wetting properties of as-fabricated arrays were found to be highly sensitive toward the sulfurization, in the presence of H 2 S gas with a minimal concentration in ppm range. The performance of AgNRs as H 2 S gas sensor is investigated by its sensing ability of 5 ppm of gas with an exposure time of only 30 s. We have developed an android-based mobile app to monitor real-time colorimetric detection of H 2 S. The wettability detection has been carried out by a mobile camera. A comparative analysis for different gases reveals the highest sensitivity and selectivity of the array AgNRs toward H 2 S. The rapid detection has also been demonstrated for H 2 S emission from aged wool fabric. Thus, high sensing ability of AgNRs toward H 2 S gas may have potential applications in health monitoring and art conservation.

Near-infrared photoluminescence biosensing platform with gold nanorods-over-gallium arsenide nanohorn array.

PubMed

Zhang, Yiming; Jiang, Tao; Tang, Longhua

2017-11-15

The near-infrared (NIR) optical detection of biomolecules with high sensitivity and reliability have been expected, however, it is still a challenge. In this work, we present a gold nanorods (AuNRs)-over-gallium arsenide nanohorn-like array (GaAs NHA) system that can be used for the ultrasensitive and specific NIR photoluminescence (PL) detection of DNA and proteins. The fabrication of GaAs NHA involved the technique of colloidal lithography and inductively coupled plasma dry etching, yielding large-area and well-defined nanostructural array, and exhibiting an improved PL emission compared to the planar GaAs substrate. Importantly, we found that the DNA-bridged AuNRs attachment on NHA could further improve the PL intensity from GaAs, and thereby provide the basis for the NIR optical sensing of biological analytes. We demonstrated that DNA and thrombin could be sensitively and specifically detected, with the detection limit of 1 pM for target DNA and 10 pM for thrombin. Such ultrasensitive NIR optical platform can extend to the detection of other biomarkers and is promising for clinical diagnostics. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hydrothermal Growth of Vertically Aligned ZnO Nanorods Using a Biocomposite Seed Layer of ZnO Nanoparticles.

PubMed

Ibupoto, Zafar Hussain; Khun, Kimleang; Eriksson, Martin; AlSalhi, Mohammad; Atif, Muhammad; Ansari, Anees; Willander, Magnus

2013-08-19

Well aligned ZnO nanorods have been prepared by a low temperature aqueous chemical growth method, using a biocomposite seed layer of ZnO nanoparticles prepared in starch and cellulose bio polymers. The effect of different concentrations of biocomposite seed layer on the alignment of ZnO nanorods has been investigated. ZnO nanorods grown on a gold-coated glass substrate have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) techniques. These techniques have shown that the ZnO nanorods are well aligned and perpendicular to the substrate, and grown with a high density and uniformity on the substrate. Moreover, ZnO nanorods can be grown with an orientation along the c -axis of the substrate and exhibit a wurtzite crystal structure with a dominant (002) peak in an XRD spectrum and possessed a high crystal quality. A photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy study of the ZnO nanorods has revealed a conventional near band edge ultraviolet emission, along with emission in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum due to defect emission. This study provides an alternative method for the fabrication of well aligned ZnO nanorods. This method can be helpful in improving the performance of devices where alignment plays a significant role.

Hydrothermal Growth of Vertically Aligned ZnO Nanorods Using a Biocomposite Seed Layer of ZnO Nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Ibupoto, Zafar Hussain; Khun, Kimleang; Eriksson, Martin; AlSalhi, Mohammad; Atif, Muhammad; Ansari, Anees; Willander, Magnus

2013-01-01

Well aligned ZnO nanorods have been prepared by a low temperature aqueous chemical growth method, using a biocomposite seed layer of ZnO nanoparticles prepared in starch and cellulose bio polymers. The effect of different concentrations of biocomposite seed layer on the alignment of ZnO nanorods has been investigated. ZnO nanorods grown on a gold-coated glass substrate have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) techniques. These techniques have shown that the ZnO nanorods are well aligned and perpendicular to the substrate, and grown with a high density and uniformity on the substrate. Moreover, ZnO nanorods can be grown with an orientation along the c-axis of the substrate and exhibit a wurtzite crystal structure with a dominant (002) peak in an XRD spectrum and possessed a high crystal quality. A photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy study of the ZnO nanorods has revealed a conventional near band edge ultraviolet emission, along with emission in the visible part of the electromagnetic spectrum due to defect emission. This study provides an alternative method for the fabrication of well aligned ZnO nanorods. This method can be helpful in improving the performance of devices where alignment plays a significant role. PMID:28811454

Solution-processed all-oxide bulk heterojunction solar cells based on CuO nanaorod array and TiO2 nanocrystals.

PubMed

Wu, Fan; Qiao, Qiquan; Bahrami, Behzad; Chen, Ke; Pathak, Rajesh; Tong, Yanhua; Li, Xiaoyi; Zhang, Tiansheng; Jian, Ronghua

2018-05-25

We present a method to synthesize CuO nanorod array/TiO 2 nanocrystals bulk heterojunction (BHJ) on fluorine-tin-oxide (FTO) glass, in which single-crystalline p-type semiconductor of the CuO nanorod array is grown on the FTO glass by hydrothermal reaction and the n-type semiconductor of the TiO 2 precursor is filled into the CuO nanorods to form well-organized nano-interpenetrating BHJ after air annealing. The interface charge transfer in CuO nanorod array/TiO 2 heterojunction is studied by Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). KPFM results demonstrate that the CuO nanorod array/TiO 2 heterojunction can realize the transfer of photo-generated electrons from the CuO nanorod array to TiO 2 . In this work, a solar cell with the structure FTO/CuO nanoarray/TiO 2 /Al is successfully fabricated, which exhibits an open-circuit voltage (V oc ) of 0.20 V and short-circuit current density (J sc ) of 0.026 mA cm -2 under AM 1.5 illumination. KPFM studies indicate that the very low performance is caused by an undesirable interface charge transfer. The interfacial surface potential (SP) shows that the electron concentration in the CuO nanorod array changes considerably after illumination due to increased photo-generated electrons, but the change in the electron concentration in TiO 2 is much less than in CuO, which indicates that the injection efficiency of the photo-generated electrons from CuO to TiO 2 is not satisfactory, resulting in an undesirable J sc in the solar cell. The interface photovoltage from the KPFM measurement shows that the low V oc results from the small interfacial SP difference between CuO and TiO 2 because the low injected electron concentration cannot raise the Fermi level significantly in TiO 2 . This conclusion agrees with the measured work function results under illumination. Hence, improvement of the interfacial electron injection is primary for the CuO nanorod array/TiO 2 heterojunction solar cells.

Solution-processed all-oxide bulk heterojunction solar cells based on CuO nanaorod array and TiO2 nanocrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Fan; Qiao, Qiquan; Bahrami, Behzad; Chen, Ke; Pathak, Rajesh; Tong, Yanhua; Li, Xiaoyi; Zhang, Tiansheng; Jian, Ronghua

2018-05-01

We present a method to synthesize CuO nanorod array/TiO2 nanocrystals bulk heterojunction (BHJ) on fluorine-tin-oxide (FTO) glass, in which single-crystalline p-type semiconductor of the CuO nanorod array is grown on the FTO glass by hydrothermal reaction and the n-type semiconductor of the TiO2 precursor is filled into the CuO nanorods to form well-organized nano-interpenetrating BHJ after air annealing. The interface charge transfer in CuO nanorod array/TiO2 heterojunction is studied by Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM). KPFM results demonstrate that the CuO nanorod array/TiO2 heterojunction can realize the transfer of photo-generated electrons from the CuO nanorod array to TiO2. In this work, a solar cell with the structure FTO/CuO nanoarray/TiO2/Al is successfully fabricated, which exhibits an open-circuit voltage (V oc) of 0.20 V and short-circuit current density (J sc) of 0.026 mA cm‑2 under AM 1.5 illumination. KPFM studies indicate that the very low performance is caused by an undesirable interface charge transfer. The interfacial surface potential (SP) shows that the electron concentration in the CuO nanorod array changes considerably after illumination due to increased photo-generated electrons, but the change in the electron concentration in TiO2 is much less than in CuO, which indicates that the injection efficiency of the photo-generated electrons from CuO to TiO2 is not satisfactory, resulting in an undesirable J sc in the solar cell. The interface photovoltage from the KPFM measurement shows that the low V oc results from the small interfacial SP difference between CuO and TiO2 because the low injected electron concentration cannot raise the Fermi level significantly in TiO2. This conclusion agrees with the measured work function results under illumination. Hence, improvement of the interfacial electron injection is primary for the CuO nanorod array/TiO2 heterojunction solar cells.

Toward practical SERS sensing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yiping

2012-06-01

Since its discovery more than 30 years ago, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been recognized as a highly sensitive detection technique for chemical and biological sensing and medical diagnostics. However, the practical application of this remarkably sensitive technique has not been widely accepted as a viable diagnostic method due to the difficulty in preparing robust and reproducible substrates that provide maximum SERS enhancement. Here, we demonstrate that the aligned silver nanorod (AgNR) array substrates engineered by the oblique angle deposition method are capable of providing extremely high SERS enhancement factors (>108). The substrates are large area, uniform, reproducible, and compatible with general microfabrication process. The enhancement factor depends strongly on the length and shape of the Ag nanorods and the underlying substrate coating. By optimizing AgNR SERS substrates, we show that SERS is able to detect trace amount of toxins, virus, bacteria, or other chemical and biological molecules, and distinguish different viruses/bacteria and virus/bacteria strains. The substrate can be tailored into a multi-well chip for high throughput screening, integrated into fiber tip for portable sensing, incorporated into fluid/microfluidic devices for in situ real-time monitoring, fabricated onto a flexible substrate for tracking and identification, or used as on-chip separation device for ultra-thin layer chromatography and diagnostics. By combining the unique SERS substrates with a handheld Raman system, it can become a practical and portable sensor system for field applications. All these developments have demonstrated that AgNR SERS substrates could play an important role in the future for practical clinical, industrial, defense, and security sensing applications.

SILAR controlled CdSe nanoparticles sensitized ZnO nanorods photoanode for solar cell application: Electrolyte effect.

PubMed

Nikam, Pratibha R; Baviskar, Prashant K; Majumder, Sutripto; Sali, Jaydeep V; Sankapal, Babasaheb R

2018-08-15

Controlled growth of different sizes of cadmium selenide (CdSe) nanoparticles over well aligned ZnO nanorods have been performed using successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique at room temperature (27 °C) in order to form nano heterostructure solar cells. Deposition of compact layer of zinc oxide (ZnO) by SILAR technique on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass substrate followed by growth of vertically aligned ZnO nanorods array using chemical bath deposition (CBD) at low temperature (<100 °C). Different characterization techniques viz. X-ray diffractometer, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy have been used to know the structural, optical, morphological and compositional properties of synthesized nano heterostructure. The photovoltaic performance of the cells with variation in SILAR cycles for CdSe and with use of different electrolytes have been recorded as J-V characteristics and the maximum conversion efficiency of 0.63% have been attained with ferro/ferri cyanide electrolyte for 12 cycles CdSe coating over 1-D ZnO nanorods. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Electroluminescence dependence on the organic thickness in ZnO nano rods/Alq3 heterostructure devices.

PubMed

Kan, Pengzhi; Wang, Yongsheng; Zhao, Suling; Xu, Zheng; Wang, Dawei

2011-04-01

ZnO nanorods are synthesised by a hydrothermal method on ITO glass. Their crystallization and morphology are detected by XRD and SEM, respectively. The results show that the ZnO nanorod array has grown primarily along a direction aligned perpendicular to the ITO substrate. The average height and diameter of the nanorods is about 130 nm and 30 nm, respectively. Then ZnO nano rods/Alq3 heterostructure LEDs are prepared by thermal evaporation of Alq3 molecules. The thicknesses of the Alq3 layers are 130 nm, 150 nm, 170 nm and 190 nm, respectively. The electroluminescence of the devices is detected under different DC bias voltages. The exciton emission of Alq3 is detected in all devices. When the thickness of Alq3 is 130 nm, the UV electroluminescence of ZnO is around 382 nm, and defect emissions around 670 nm and 740 nm are detected. Defect emissions of ZnO nanorods are prominent. When the thickness of Alq3 increases to over 170 nm, it is difficult to observe defect emissions from the ZnO nano rods. In such devices, the exciton emission of Alq3 is more prominent than other emissions under different bias voltage.

Barrier inhomogeneities limited current and 1/f noise transport in GaN based nanoscale Schottky barrier diodes

PubMed Central

Kumar, Ashutosh; Heilmann, M.; Latzel, Michael; Kapoor, Raman; Sharma, Intu; Göbelt, M.; Christiansen, Silke H.; Kumar, Vikram; Singh, Rajendra

2016-01-01

The electrical behaviour of Schottky barrier diodes realized on vertically standing individual GaN nanorods and array of nanorods is investigated. The Schottky diodes on individual nanorod show highest barrier height in comparison with large area diodes on nanorods array and epitaxial film which is in contrast with previously published work. The discrepancy between the electrical behaviour of nanoscale Schottky diodes and large area diodes is explained using cathodoluminescence measurements, surface potential analysis using Kelvin probe force microscopy and 1ow frequency noise measurements. The noise measurements on large area diodes on nanorods array and epitaxial film suggest the presence of barrier inhomogeneities at the metal/semiconductor interface which deviate the noise spectra from Lorentzian to 1/f type. These barrier inhomogeneities in large area diodes resulted in reduced barrier height whereas due to the limited role of barrier inhomogeneities in individual nanorod based Schottky diode, a higher barrier height is obtained. PMID:27282258

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mohammad, Sabah M., E-mail: Sabahaskari14@gmail.com; Ahmed, Naser M.; Abd-Alghafour, Nabeel M.

Vertically, well-aligned and high density ZnO nanorods were successfully hydrothermally grown on glass and silicon substrates using a simple and low cost system. The mechanism of synthesis of ZnO nanorods, generated with our system under hydrothermal conditions, is investigated in this report. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy indicated that the fabricated ZnO nanorods on both substrates have hexagonal shape with diameters ranging from 20 nm to 70 nm which grew vertically from the substrate. XRD analysis confirms the formation of wurtzite ZnO phase with a preferred orientation along (002) direction perpendicular on the substrate and enhanced crystallinity. The low value ofmore » the tensile strain (0.126 %) revealed that ZnO nanorods preferred to grow along the c-axis for both substrates. Photoluminescence spectra exhibited a strong, sharp UV near band edge emission peak with narrow FWHM values for both samples.« less

The role of annealing temperature variation on ZnO nanorods array deposited on TiO2 seed layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Asib, N. A. M.; Aadila, A.; Afaah, A. N.; Rusop, M.; Khusaimi, Z.

2018-05-01

Seed layer of Titanium dioxide (TiO2) by sol-gel spin coating technique were coated on glass substrate to grow Zinc oxide nanorods (ZNR) by solution-immersion method. The fabricated ZNR were annealed at various temperatures ranged from 400 to 600° C. FESEM images revealed that smaller ZNR were densely grown at optimum temperature of 450 and 500°C. Meanwhile, for all samples a dominant (0 0 2) diffraction peak of ZNR recorded by XRD patterns was at 34.4° which corresponding to hexagonal ZNR with a wurtzite structure. UV-Vis absorbance spectra showed the maximum absorption properties at UV region were detected at 450 and 500°C. The samples also showed high absorbance values at visible region.

SERS-based viral fingerprinting: current capabilities and challenges

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Driskell, J. D.; Abell, J. L.; Dluhy, R. A.; Zhao, Y.-P.; Tripp, R. A.

2010-04-01

Silver nanorod array substrates are fabricated by oblique angle deposition and characterized for optimal SERS performance. Using UV-visible-NIR spectrophotometry we show that the nanorods have a transverse surface plasmon resonance mode at ~357 nm and a broad absorbance spanning 600-800 nm when excited along the longitudinal direction. We demonstrate that SERS enhancement is optimized using an excitation wavelength of 633 or 785 nm. The large area uniformity in SERS signal (<10% variation) and reproducibility among preparations (<15% variation) provides a unique opportunity for SERS-based whole-organism fingerprinting. Egg prepared avian influenza virus and clinical sputum samples of human influenza virus were investigated to demonstrate SERS-based detection of a virus in a complex sample matrix and to assess the effect of different background matrices on the detection of similar viruses.

Soft-solution route to ZnO nanowall array with low threshold power density

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Eue-Soon; Chen, Xiaoyuan; Won, Jung-Hee; Chung, Jae-Hun; Jang, Du-Jeon; Kim, Young-Woon; Choy, Jin-Ho

2010-07-01

ZnO nanowall array (ZNWA) has been directionally grown on the buffer layer of ZnO nanoparticles dip-coated on Si-wafer under a soft solution process. Nanowalls on substrate are in most suitable shape and orientation not only as an optical trap but also as an optical waveguide due to their unique growth habit, V[011¯0]≫V[0001]≈V[0001¯]. Consequently, the stimulated emission at 384 nm through nanowalls is generated by the threshold power density of only 25 kW/cm2. Such UV lasing properties are superior to those of previously reported ZnO nanorod arrays. Moreover, there is no green (defect) emission due to the mild procedure to synthesize ZNWA.

Seed layer effect on different properties and UV detection capability of hydrothermally grown ZnO nanorods over SiO2/p-Si substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sannakashappanavar, Basavaraj S.; Byrareddy, C. R.; Kumar, Pesala Sudheer; Yadav, Aniruddh Bahadur

2018-05-01

Hydrothermally grown one dimensional ZnO nanostructures are among the most widely used semiconductor materials to build high-efficiency electronic devices for various applications. Few researchers have addressed the growth mechanism and effect of ZnO seed layer on different properties of ZnO nanorods grown by hydrothermal method, instead, no one has synthesized ZnO nanorod over SiO2/p-Si substrate. The aim of this study is to study the effect of ZnO seed layer and the growth mechanism of ZnO nanorods over SiO2/p-Si substrate. To achieve the goal, we have synthesized ZnO nanorods over different thickness ZnO seed layers by using the hydrothermal method on SiO2/p-Si substrate. The effects of c-plane area ratio were identified for the growth rate of c-plane, reaction rate constant and stagnant layer thickness also calculated by using a modified rate growth equation. We have identified maximum seed layer thickness for the growth of vertical ZnO nanorod. A step dislocation in the ZnO nanorods grown on 150and 200 nm thick seed layers was observed, the magnitude of Burges vector was calculated for this disorder. The seed layer and ZnO nanorods were characterized by AFM, XPS, UV-visible, XRD (X-ray diffraction, and SEM(scanning electron microscope). To justify the application of the grown ZnO nanorods Ti/Au was deposited over ZnO nanorods grown over all seed layers for the fabrication of photoconductor type UV detector.

Short-length and high-density TiO{sub 2} nanorod arrays for the efficient charge separation interface in perovskite solar cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Xiao, Guannan; Shi, Chengwu, E-mail: shicw506@foxmail.com; Zhang, Zhengguo

The TiO{sub 2} nanorod arrays with the length of 70 nm, the diameter of 20 nm, and the areal density of 1000 µm{sup −2} were firstly prepared by the hydrothermal method using the aqueous grown solution of 38 mM titanium isopropoxide and 6 M hydrochloric acid at 170 °C for 60 min. Over-500 nm-thickness CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3−x}Br{sub x} absorber layers were successfully obtained by sequential deposition routes using 1.7 M PbI{sub 2}·DMSO complex precursor solution and 0.465 M isopropanol solution of the methylammonium halide mixture with the molar ratio of CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}I/CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}Br=85/15. The perovskite solar cellsmore » based on the TiO{sub 2} nanorod array and 560 nm-thickness CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3−x}Br{sub x} absorber layer exhibited the best photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.93%, while the corresponding planar perovskite solar cells without the TiO{sub 2} nanorod array and with 530 nm-thickness CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3−x}Br{sub x} absorber layer gave the best PCE of 12.82% at the relative humidity of 50–54%. - Graphical abstract: The TiO{sub 2} nanorod arrays with the length of 70 nm, the diameter of 20 nm, and the areal density of 1000 µm{sup −2} were prepared by the hydrothermal method using the aqueous grown solution of 38 mM titanium isopropoxide and 6 M hydrochloric acid at 170 °C for 60 min. The optimal annealing temperature of TiO{sub 2} nanorod arrays was 450 °C. The perovskite solar cells based on the TiO{sub 2} nanorod array and 560 nm-thickness CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3−x}Br{sub x} absorber layer exhibited the best photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.93% and the average PCE of 13.41±2.52%, while the corresponding planar perovskite solar cells without the TiO{sub 2} nanorod array and with 530 nm-thickness CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3−x}Br{sub x} absorber layer gave the best PCE of 12.82% and the average PCE of 10.54±2.28% at the relative humidity of 50–54%. - Highlights: • Preparation of TiO{sub 2} nanorod array with length of 70 nm and density of 1000 µm{sup −2}. • Influence of annealing temperatures on the -OH content of TiO{sub 2} nanorod arrays. • Preparation of over-500 nm-thickness CH{sub 3}NH{sub 3}PbI{sub 3−x}Br{sub x} absorber layer. • Combination of short-length TiO{sub 2} nanorod array and high-thickness perovskite layer. • The best and average PCE with TiO{sub 2} array of 15.93% and 13.41±2.52% at 50–54% RH.« less

Energy Conversion: Nano Solar Cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yahaya, Muhammad; Yap, Chi Chin; Mat Salleh, Muhamad

2009-09-01

Problems of fossil-fuel-induced climate change have sparked a demand for sustainable energy supply for all sectors of economy. Most laboratories continue to search for new materials and new technique to generate clean energy at affordable cost. Nanotechnology can play a major role in solving the energy problem. The prospect for solar energy using Si-based technology is not encouraging. Si photovoltaics can produce electricity at 20-30 c//kWhr with about 25% efficiency. Nanoparticles have a strong capacity to absorb light and generate more electrons for current as discovered in the recent work of organic and dye-sensitized cell. Using cheap preparation technique such as screen-printing and self-assembly growth, organic cells shows a strong potential for commercialization. Thin Films research group at National University Malaysia has been actively involved in these areas, and in this seminar, we will present a review works on nanomaterials for solar cells and particularly on hybrid organic solar cell based on ZnO nanorod arrays. The organic layer consisting of poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1, 4-phenylenevinylene] (MEHPPV) and [6, 6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid 3-ethylthiophene ester (PCBE) was spin-coated on ZnO nanorod arrays. ZnO nanorod arrays were grown on FTO glass substrates which were pre-coated with ZnO nanoparticles using a low temperature chemical solution method. A gold electrode was used as the top contact. The device gave a short circuit current density of 2.49×10-4 mA/cm2 and an open circuit voltage of 0.45 V under illumination of a projector halogen light at 100 mW/cm2.

Development of a physical and electronic model for RuO 2 nanorod rectenna devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dao, Justin

Ruthenium oxide (RuO2) nanorods are an emergent technology in nanostructure devices. As the physical size of electronics approaches a critical lower limit, alternative solutions to further device miniaturization are currently under investigation. Thin-film nanorod growth is an interesting technology, being investigated for use in wireless communications, sensor systems, and alternative energy applications. In this investigation, self-assembled RuO2 nanorods are grown on a variety of substrates via a high density plasma, reactive sputtering process. Nanorods have been found to grow on substrates that form native oxide layers when exposed to air, namely silicon, aluminum, and titanium. Samples were analyzed with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) techniques. Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy (C-AFM) measurements were performed on single nanorods to characterize structure and electrical conductivity. The C-AFM probe tip is placed on a single nanorod and I-V characteristics are measured, potentially exhibiting rectifying capabilities. An analysis of these results using fundamental semiconductor physics principles is presented. Experimental data for silicon substrates was most closely approximated by the Simmons model for direct electron tunneling, whereas that of aluminum substrates was well approximated by Fowler-Nordheim tunneling. The native oxide of titanium is regarded as a semiconductor rather than an insulator and its ability to function as a rectifier is not strong. An electronic model for these nanorods is described herein.

Structures with three dimensional nanofences comprising single crystal segments

DOEpatents

Goyal, Amit; Wee, Sung-Hun

2013-08-27

An article includes a substrate having a surface and a nanofence supported by the surface. The nanofence includes a multiplicity of primary nanorods and branch nanorods, each of the primary nanorods being attached to said substrate, and each of the branch nanorods being attached to a primary nanorods and/or another branch nanorod. The primary and branch nanorods are arranged in a three-dimensional, interconnected, interpenetrating, grid-like network defining interstices within the nanofence. The article further includes an enveloping layer supported by the nanofence, disposed in the interstices, and forming a coating on the primary and branch nanorods. The enveloping layer has a different composition from that of the nanofence and includes a radial p-n single junction solar cell photovoltaic material and/or a radial p-n multiple junction solar cell photovoltaic material.

Large-scale fabrication of single crystalline tin nanowire arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Bin; Yang, Dachi; Liang, Minghui; Zhi, Linjie

2010-09-01

Large-scale single crystalline tin nanowire arrays with preferred lattice orientation along the [100] direction were fabricated in porous anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) membranes by the electrodeposition method using copper nanorod as a second electrode.Large-scale single crystalline tin nanowire arrays with preferred lattice orientation along the [100] direction were fabricated in porous anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) membranes by the electrodeposition method using copper nanorod as a second electrode. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental details and the information for single crystalline copper nanorods. See DOI: 10.1039/c0nr00206b

Multi-angle ZnO microstructures grown on Ag nanorods array for plasmon-enhanced near-UV-blue light emitter

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pal, Anil Kumar; Bharathi Mohan, D.

2017-10-01

Metal enhanced ultraviolet light emission has been explored in ZnO/Ag hybrid structures prepared by hydrothermal growth of multi-angled ZnO nanorods on slanted Ag nanorods array fabricated by the thermal evaporation technique. Slanted Ag nanorods are realized to be the stacking of non-spherical Ag nanoparticles, resulting in asymmetric surface plasmon resonance spectra. The surface roughness of Ag nanorod array films significantly influences the growth mechanism of ZnO nanorods, leading to the formation of multi-angled ZnO microflowers. ZnO/Ag hybrid structures facilitate the interfacial charge transfer from Ag to ZnO with the realization of negative shift in binding energy of Ag 3d orbitals by ˜0.8 eV. These high quality ZnO nanorods in ZnO/Ag hybrid nanostructures exhibit strong ultraviolet emission in the 383-396 nm region without broad deep level emission, which can be explained by a suitable band diagram. The metal enhanced photoluminescence is witnessed mainly due to interfacial charge transfer with its dependence on surface roughness of bottom layer Ag nanorods, number density of ZnO nanorods and diversity in the interfacial area between Ag and ZnO nanorods. The existence of strong ultraviolet light with minor blue light emission and appearance of CIE shade in strong violet-blue region by ZnO/Ag hybrid structures depict exciting possibilities towards near UV-blue light emitting devices.

Multi-angle ZnO microstructures grown on Ag nanorods array for plasmon-enhanced near-UV-blue light emitter.

PubMed

Pal, Anil Kumar; Mohan, D Bharathi

2017-10-13

Metal enhanced ultraviolet light emission has been explored in ZnO/Ag hybrid structures prepared by hydrothermal growth of multi-angled ZnO nanorods on slanted Ag nanorods array fabricated by the thermal evaporation technique. Slanted Ag nanorods are realized to be the stacking of non-spherical Ag nanoparticles, resulting in asymmetric surface plasmon resonance spectra. The surface roughness of Ag nanorod array films significantly influences the growth mechanism of ZnO nanorods, leading to the formation of multi-angled ZnO microflowers. ZnO/Ag hybrid structures facilitate the interfacial charge transfer from Ag to ZnO with the realization of negative shift in binding energy of Ag 3d orbitals by ∼0.8 eV. These high quality ZnO nanorods in ZnO/Ag hybrid nanostructures exhibit strong ultraviolet emission in the 383-396 nm region without broad deep level emission, which can be explained by a suitable band diagram. The metal enhanced photoluminescence is witnessed mainly due to interfacial charge transfer with its dependence on surface roughness of bottom layer Ag nanorods, number density of ZnO nanorods and diversity in the interfacial area between Ag and ZnO nanorods. The existence of strong ultraviolet light with minor blue light emission and appearance of CIE shade in strong violet-blue region by ZnO/Ag hybrid structures depict exciting possibilities towards near UV-blue light emitting devices.

Enhanced solar photoelectrochemical conversion efficiency of the hydrothermally-deposited TiO2 nanorod arrays: Effects of the light trapping and optimum charge transfer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, Gil Woo; Mahadik, Mahadeo A.; Chae, Weon-Sik; Kim, Hyun Gyu; Cho, Min; Jang, Jum Suk

2018-05-01

The vertically aligned TiO2 nanorod arrays (NRA) with manipulated aspect ratio were hydrothermally synthesized by changing the amount of the titanium (Ti) precursor in the initial growth solution. FE-SEM images show the optimum morphology, density and aspect ratio of the well-aligned TB-1.2 NRs on the surface of the FTO substrate. The UV-vis-absorption measurements revealed that a sample prepared at TB-1.2 can provide an increased light trapping effect. PEC analyses demonstrated that the TiO2 nanorods deposited at TB-1.2 of Titanium butoxide show a relatively high PEC conversion efficiency (3.5 times) compared with the TB-0.8 prepared TiO2 at a 1.0 V versus RHE. The higher PEC performance is believed to be the result of an enhancement of the optimum aspect ratio, light trapping, an efficient charge separation, and the high carrier transport in the vertically aligned TiO2 NRs. Further, the PEC based organic dye degradation experiments showed 77% and 94% removal of Orange II and methylene blue respectively. Additionally, 109 μmol h-1 cm-2 hydrogen generations were attributed using optimized vertically aligned TiO2 NRA's. Thus, the appropriate morphology manipulated the TiO2 NRAs are useful for solar conversion applications.

Biological sensing and control of emission dynamics of quantum dot bioconjugates using arrays of long metallic nanorods.

PubMed

Sadeghi, Seyed M; Gutha, Rithvik R; Wing, Waylin J; Sharp, Christina; Capps, Lucas; Mao, Chuanbin

2017-01-01

We study biological sensing using plasmonic and photonic-plasmonic resonances of arrays of ultralong metallic nanorods and analyze the impact of these resonances on emission dynamics of quantum dot bioconjugates. We demonstrate that the LSPRs and plasmonic lattice modes of such array can be used to detect a single self-assembled monolayer of alkanethiol at the visible (550 nm) and near infrared (770 nm) range with well resolved shifts. We study adsorption of streptavidin-quantum dot conjugates to this monolayer, demonstrating that formation of nearly two dimensional arrays of quantum dots with limited emission blinking can lead to extra well-defined wavelength shifts in these modes. Using spectrally-resolved lifetime measurements we study the emission dynamics of such quantum dot bioconjugates within their monodispersed size distribution. We show that, despite their close vicinity to the nanorods, the rate of energy transfer from these quantum dots to nanorods is rather weak, while the plasmon field enhancement can be strong. Our results reveal that the nanorods present a strongly wavelength or size-dependent non-radiative decay channel to the quantum dot bioconjugates.

Room temperature photoluminescence properties of ZnO nanorods grown by hydrothermal reaction

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Iwan, S., E-mail: iwan-sugihartono@unj.ac.id; Prodi Ilmu Material, Departemen Fisika, FMIPA, Universitas Indonesia, Kampus UI Depok; Fauzia, Vivi

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods were fabricated by a hydrothermal reaction on silicon (Si) substrate at 95 °C for 6 hours. The ZnO seed layer was fabricated by depositing ZnO thin films on Si substrates by ultrasonic spray pyrolisis (USP). The annealing effects on crystal structure and optical properties of ZnO nanorods were investigated. The post-annealing treatment was performed at 800 °C with different environments. The annealed of ZnO nanorods were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence (PL) in order to analyze crystal structure and optical properties, respectively. The results show the orientations of [002], [101], [102], and [103] diffractionmore » peaks were observed and hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO nanorods were vertically grown on Si substrates. The room temperature PL spectra show ultra-violet (UV) and visible emissions. The annealed of ZnO nanorods in vacuum condition (3.8 × 10{sup −3} Torr) has dominant UV emission. Meanwhile, non-annealed of ZnO nanorods has dominant visible emission. It was expected that the annealed of ZnO in vacuum condition suppresses the existence of native defects in ZnO nanorods.« less

Significantly enhanced UV luminescence by plasmonic metal on ZnO nanorods patterned by screen-printing.

PubMed

Zhao, Jun; Cui, Shuyuan; Zhang, Xingang; Li, Wenqing

2018-08-31

A smart synthetic method is conceived to construct large batches of ZnO nanostructures to meet market demand for light-emitting diodes. Utilizing the localized surface plasmon resonance of metal nanoparticles (NPs) facilitates the recombination of electron-hole pairs and the release of photons. Compared to raw ZnO nanorods (NRs), ZnO NRs@HfO 2 @Al NPs show a ∼120× enhancement in ultraviolet (UV) photoluminescence (PL), while ZnO NRs@HfO 2 @Ag NPs show a six-fold enhancement. Because the surface plasmon energy of Al is nearer the ZnO band gap, the PL enhancement of ZnO NRs covered with Al is stronger than that of those covered with Ag. Based on this analysis, three-dimensional graphical ZnO NR arrays were manufactured by screen-printing, a mass production technique. After covering the arrays with layers of HfO 2 and Al NPs, the UV PL intensities of the corresponding substrates were increased by approximately 16×. This indicates the potential to mass-produce highly efficient optoelectronic devices.

Ag-nanoparticles-decorated NiO-nanoflakes grafted Ni-nanorod arrays stuck out of porous AAO as effective SERS substrates.

PubMed

Zhou, Qitao; Meng, Guowen; Huang, Qing; Zhu, Chuhong; Tang, Haibin; Qian, Yiwu; Chen, Bin; Chen, Bensong

2014-02-28

NiO-nanoflakes (NiO-NFs) grafted Ni-nanorod (Ni-NR) arrays stuck out of the porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template are achieved by a combinatorial process of AAO-confined electrodeposition of Ni-NRs, selectively etching part of the AAO template to expose the Ni-NRs, wet-etching the exposed Ni-NRs in ammonia to obtain Ni(OH)2-NFs grafted onto the cone-shaped Ni-NRs, and annealing to transform Ni(OH)2-NFs in situ into NiO-NFs. By top-view sputtering, Ag-nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) are decorated on each NiO-NFs grafted Ni-NR (denoted as NiO-NFs@Ni-NR). The resultant Ag-NPs-decorated NiO-NFs@Ni-NR (denoted as Ag-NPs@NiO-NFs@Ni-NR) arrays exhibit not only strong surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity but also reproducible SERS-signals over the whole array. It is demonstrated that the strong SERS-activity is mainly ascribed to the high density of sub-10 nm gaps (hot spots) between the neighboring Ag-NPs, the semiconducting NiO-NFs induced chemical enhancement effect, and the lightning rod effect of the cone-shaped Ni-NRs. The three-level hierarchical nanostructure arrays stuck out of the AAO template can be utilized to probe polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, a kind of global environmental hazard) with a concentration as low as 5 × 10(-6) M, showing promising potential in SERS-based rapid detection of organic environmental pollutants.

Controllable electrodeposition of ZnO nanorod arrays on flexible stainless steel mesh substrate for photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Hui; Zhang, Mei; Guo, Min

2014-10-01

Well-aligned single-crystalline ZnO nanorod arrays (ZNRAs) were prepared on flexible stainless steel mesh (SSM) substrate in large-scale by using a direct electrodeposition method. The effects of electrochemical parameters, such as applied potential, applied nucleation potential time, substrate pretreatment, electrodeposition duration and times, on the orientation, morphology and density of ZNRAs were systematically studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and the selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The results showed that ZNRAs on SSM substrate with [0 0 1] preferred orientation and well crystallization were obtained by controlling the applied potential in the range of -0.9 to -1.1 V. The density of ZNRAs could be increased obviously by applying a nucleation potential (-1.3 V for more than 10 s before deposition) or by means of substrate pretreatment (the SSM immersed in zinc acetate colloid for more than 10 min before deposition), meanwhile, the deposited ZNRAs also had small average diameter (<46 ± 4 nm), narrow size distribution and good orientation. In addition, it was also found that the average diameter of ZNRAs could be increased from 89 to 201 ± 5 nm by extending the electrodeposition duration from 1800 to 7200 s, and the length of rods was from 0.8 to 2.2 ± 0.1 μm when the times of the electrodeposition from one to six times. Furthermore, the band gap energy (Eg) of as-prepared ZNTAs was not closely related to the electrodeposition times (only changed from 3.30 to 3.32 eV). The ZNRAs prepared with more electrodeposition times showed enhanced photocatalytic performance under the UV-lamp for degradation of Rhodamine B. The degradation efficiency of ZNRAs improved from 89.4% to 98.3% with the deposition times from one to six times.

Analysis of 2D hyperbolic metamaterial dispersion by elementary excitation coupling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vaianella, Fabio; Maes, Bjorn

2016-04-01

Hyperbolic metamaterials are examined for many applications thanks to the large density of states and extreme confinement of light they provide. For classical hyperbolic metal/dielectric multilayer structures, it was demon- strated that the properties originate from a specific coupling of the surface plasmon polaritons between the metal/dielectric interfaces. We show a similar analysis for 2D hyperbolic arrays of square (or rectangular) silver nanorods in a TiO2 host. In this case the properties derive from a specific coupling of the plasmons carried by the corners of the nanorods. The dispersion can be seen as the coupling of single rods for a through-metal connection of the corners, as the coupling of structures made of four semi-infinite metallic blocks separated by dielectric for a through-dielectric connection, or as the coupling of two semi-infinite rods for a through-metal and through-dielectric situation. For arrays of small square nanorods the elementary structure that explains the dispersion of the array is the single rod, and for arrays of large square nanorods it is four metallic corners. The medium size square nanorod case is more complicated, because the elementary structure can be one of the three basic designs, depending on the frequency and symmetry of the modes. Finally, we show that for arrays of rectangular nanorods the dispersion is explained by coupling of the two coupled rod structure. This work opens the way for a better understanding of a wide class of metamaterials via their elementary excitations.

Semiconductor@metal-organic framework core-shell heterostructures: a case of ZnO@ZIF-8 nanorods with selective photoelectrochemical response.

PubMed

Zhan, Wen-wen; Kuang, Qin; Zhou, Jian-zhang; Kong, Xiang-jian; Xie, Zhao-xiong; Zheng, Lan-sun

2013-02-06

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and related material classes are attracting considerable attention for their applications in gas storage/separation as well as catalysis. In contrast, research concerning potential uses in electronic devices (such as sensors) is in its infancy, which might be due to a great challenge in the fabrication of MOFs and semiconductor composites with well-designed structures. In this paper, we proposed a simple self-template strategy to fabricate metal oxide semiconductor@MOF core-shell heterostructures, and successfully obtained freestanding ZnO@ZIF-8 nanorods as well as vertically standing arrays (including nanorod arrays and nanotube arrays). In this synthetic process, ZnO nanorods not only act as the template but also provide Zn(2+) ions for the formation of ZIF-8. In addition, we have demonstrated that solvent composition and reaction temperature are two crucial factors for successfully fabricating well-defined ZnO@ZIF-8 heterostructures. As we expect, the as-prepared ZnO@ZIF-8 nanorod arrays display distinct photoelectrochemical response to hole scavengers with different molecule sizes (e.g., H(2)O(2) and ascorbic acid) owing to the limitation of the aperture of the ZIF-8 shell. Excitingly, such ZnO@ZIF-8 nanorod arrays were successfully applied to the detection of H(2)O(2) in the presence of serous buffer solution. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that the semiconductor@MOFs heterostructure potentially has promising applications in many electronic devices including sensors.

Growth of high-density ZnO nanorods on wood with enhanced photostability, flame retardancy and water repellency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kong, Lizhuo; Tu, Kunkun; Guan, Hao; Wang, Xiaoqing

2017-06-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod arrays were successfully assembled on the wood surface in situ via a two-step process consisting of formation of ZnO seeds and subsequent crystal growth under hydrothermal conditions at a low temperature. The morphology and crystalline structure of the formed ZnO nanorods were studied by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Highly dense and uniform arrays of ZnO nanorods with well-defined hexagonal facets were generated on the wood surface by tuning the concentration of the ZnO growth solution during the hydrothermal treatment. Accelerated weathering tests indicated that the assembled ZnO nanorod arrays were highly protective against UV radiation and greatly enhanced the photostability of the coated wood. Meanwhile, the ZnO nanorod-coated wood can withstand continuous exposure to flame with only minor smoldering in contrast with the pristine wood catching fire easily and burning rapidly. Moreover, when further modified with low-surface-energy stearic acid, the ZnO nanorod decorated wood surface can be transformed into a superhydrophobic surface, with a water contact angle (CA) of ∼154°. Such ZnO nanorod-modified woods with enhanced photostability, flame retardancy and water repellency offer an interesting alternative to conventional wood preservation strategies, highlighting their potential applications in some novel wood products.

Terahertz emission and spectroscopy on InN epilayer and nanostructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahn, H.; Pan, C.-L.; Gwo, S.

2009-02-01

We report a comprehensive study on THz emission and spectroscopy of indium nitride (InN) films and its nanorod arrays grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy technique. For the enhancement of THz emission from InN, we demonstrated two method; firstly using nanorod arrays, which have large surface area for optical absorption and THz emission, and secondly using nonpolar InN film, of which the electric field is along the sample surface. We propose that a "screened" photo-Dember effect due to narrow surface electron accumulation layer of InN is responsible for the nanorod-size-dependent enhancement from InN nanorods. The primary THz radiation mechanism of nonpolar InN is found to be due to the acceleration of photoexcited carriers under the polarization-induced in-plane electric field. THz time-domain spectroscopy has been used to investigate THz conductivity and dielectric response of InN nanorod arrays and epitaxial film. The complex THz conductivity of InN film is well fitted by the Drude model, while the negative imaginary conductivity of the InN nanorods can be described by using a non-Drude model, which includes a preferential backward scattering due to defects in InN nanorods, or a Coulombic restoring force from charged defects.

Detection of chemical residues in food oil via surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Kexi; Huang, Qing

2016-05-01

Highly ordered hexagonally patterned Ag-nanorod (Ag-NR) arrays for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection of unhealthy chemical residues in food oil was reported, which was obtained by sputtering Ag on the alumina nanotip arrays stuck out of conical-pore anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates. SERS measurements demonstrate that the as-fabricated large-scale Ag-nanostructures can serve as highly sensitive and reproducible SERS substrates for detection of trace amount of chemicals in oil with the lower detection limits of 2×10-6 M for thiram and 10-7 M for rhodamine B, showing the potential of application of SERS in rapid trace detection of pesticide residues and illegal additives in food oils.

Field emission from ZnS nanorods synthesized by radio frequency magnetron sputtering technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, P. K.; Maiti, U. N.; Jana, S.; Chattopadhyay, K. K.

2006-11-01

The field emission property of zinc sulphides nanorods synthesized in the thin film form on Si substrates has been studied. It is seen that ZnS nanorod thin films showed good field emission properties with a low-macroscopic turn-on field (2.9-6.3 V/μm). ZnS nanorods were synthesized by using radio frequency magnetron sputtering of a polycrystalline prefabricated ZnS target at a relatively higher pressure (10 -1 mbar) and at a lower substrate temperature (233-273 K) without using any catalyst. Transmission electron microscopic image showed the formation of ZnS nanorods with high aspect ratio (>60). The field emission data were analysed using Fowler-Nordhiem theory and the nearly straight-line nature of the F-N plots confirmed cold field emission of electrons. It was also found that the turn-on field decreased with the decrease of nanorod's diameters. The optical properties of the ZnS nanorods were also studied. From the measurements of transmittance of the films deposited on glass substrates, the direct allowed bandgap values have been calculated and they were in the range 3.83-4.03 eV. The thickness of the films was ˜600 nm.

Growing vertical ZnO nanorod arrays within graphite: efficient isolation of large size and high quality single-layer graphene.

PubMed

Ding, Ling; E, Yifeng; Fan, Louzhen; Yang, Shihe

2013-07-18

We report a unique strategy for efficiently exfoliating large size and high quality single-layer graphene directly from graphite into DMF dispersions by growing ZnO nanorod arrays between the graphene layers in graphite.

Understanding charge transfer dynamics in QDs-TiO2 nanorod array photoanodes for solar fuel generation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jiangtian; McClure, Joshua P.; Fu, Richard; Jiang, Rongzhong; Chu, Deryn

2018-01-01

Harvesting light to drive water splitting for hydrogen generation is an attractive approach to satisfy the urgent energy demands. The design and fabrication of photoelectrode materials that are able to harvest sunlight is an important scientific undertaking. In this study, a two-quantum-dot (QD) layer is developed to decorate one-dimensional TiO2 nanorod arrays, which are subsequently utilized as photoanodes to harvest the wide-spectrum sunlight for water splitting. The QD-coated TiO2 nanorod arrays extend the light absorption range from the UV into the visible region yielding increased solar-to-hydrogen efficiencies. Transient photocurrent decay measurements demonstrate that the multi-layer CdSe-CdS QDs deposited onto the TiO2 nanorod arrays result in a stepwise band alignment that not only improves the hole extraction but also facilitates electron injection from the QDs to TiO2 rods. Moreover, the multi-heterojunction photoanode introduces interfacial states that act as recombination centers to trap the photogenerated electrons.

Copper nanorod array assisted silicon waveguide polarization beam splitter.

PubMed

Kim, Sangsik; Qi, Minghao

2014-04-21

We present the design of a three-dimensional (3D) polarization beam splitter (PBS) with a copper nanorod array placed between two silicon waveguides. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of a metal nanorod array selectively cross-couples transverse electric (TE) mode to the coupler waveguide, while transverse magnetic (TM) mode passes through the original input waveguide without coupling. An ultra-compact and broadband PBS compared to all-dielectric devices is achieved with the LSPR. The output ports of waveguides are designed to support either TM or TE mode only to enhance the extinction ratios. Compared to silver, copper is fully compatible with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology.

Combination of short-length TiO2 nanorod arrays and compact PbS quantum-dot thin films for efficient solid-state quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Zhengguo; Shi, Chengwu; Chen, Junjun; Xiao, Guannan; Li, Long

2017-07-01

Considering the balance of the hole diffusion length and the loading quantity of quantum-dots, the rutile TiO2 nanorod array with the length of 600 nm, the diameter of 20 nm, and the areal density of 500 μm-2 is successfully prepared by the hydrothermal method using the aqueous grown solution of 38 mM titanium isopropoxide and 6 M hydrochloric acid at 170 °C for 105 min. The compact PbS quantum-dot thin film on the TiO2 nanorod array is firstly obtained by the spin-coating-assisted successive ionic layer absorption and reaction with using 1,2-ethanedithiol (EDT). The result reveals that the strong interaction between lead and EDT is very important to control the crystallite size of PbS quantum-dots and obtain the compact PbS quantum-dot thin film on the TiO2 nanorod array. The all solid-state sensitized solar cell with the combination of the short-length, high-density TiO2 nanorod array and the compact PbS quantum-dot thin film achieves the photoelectric conversion efficiency of 4.10%, along with an open-circuit voltage of 0.52 V, a short-circuit photocurrent density of 13.56 mA cm-2 and a fill factor of 0.58.

Self-Supported CoP Nanorod Arrays Grafted on Stainless Steel as an Advanced Integrated Anode for Stable and Long-Life Lithium-Ion Batteries.

PubMed

Xu, Xijun; Liu, Jun; Hu, Renzong; Liu, Jiangwen; Ouyang, Liuzhang; Zhu, Min

2017-04-19

To alleviate the capacity degradation of anode materials for Li-ion batteries, caused by serious volume expansion and particle aggregation, intensive attention has been devoted to the rational design and fabrication of novel anode architectures. Herein, self-supported CoP nanorod arrays have been facilely synthesized using hydrothemally deposited Co(CO 3 ) 0.5 (OH)⋅0.11 H 2 O nanorod arrays as the precursor, through a gas-phase phosphidation method. As the anode for Li-ion batteries, such 3D interconnected CoP nanorod arrays show an initial discharge capacity of 1067 mAh g -1 and a high reversible charge capacity of 737 mAh g -1 at 0.4 Ag -1 . After 400 cycles, their specific capacity can reach 510 mAh g -1 ; even after 900 cycles, they can still deliver a specific capacity of 390 mAh g -1 . CoP//LiCoO 2 full-cells also exhibit a high reversible capacity of 400 mAh g -1 after 50 cycles. These unique 3D interconnected CoP nanorod arrays also show ultrastable cycling performance over 500 cycles when used as the anode in a Na-ion battery. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Alteration of architecture of MoO₃ nanostructures on arbitrary substrates: growth kinetics, spectroscopic and gas sensing properties.

PubMed

Illyaskutty, Navas; Sreedhar, Sreeja; Sanal Kumar, G; Kohler, Heinz; Schwotzer, Matthias; Natzeck, Carsten; Pillai, V P Mahadevan

2014-11-21

MoO3 nanostructures have been grown in thin film form on five different substrates by RF magnetron sputtering and subsequent annealing; non-aligned nanorods, aligned nanorods, bundled nanowires, vertical nanorods and nanoslabs are formed respectively on the glass, quartz, wafer, alumina and sapphire substrates. The nanostructures formed on these substrates are characterized by AFM, SEM, GIXRD, XPS, micro-Raman, diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence spectroscopy. A detailed growth model for morphology alteration with respect to substrates has been discussed by considering various aspects such as surface roughness, lattice parameters and the thermal expansion coefficient, of both substrates and MoO3. The present study developed a strategy for the choice of substrates to materialize different types MoO3 nanostructures for future thin film applications. The gas sensing tests point towards using these MoO3 nanostructures as principal detection elements in gas sensors.

Gold nanochestnut arrays as ultra-sensitive SERS substrate for detecting trace pesticide residue.

PubMed

Geng, Fei; Zhao, Huaping; Fu, Qun; Mi, Yan; Miao, Likun; Li, Wei; Dong, Yulian; Wu, Minghong; Lei, Yong

2018-07-20

In comparison to conventional spectroscopic techniques based on chromatography, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) enables the rapid identification and detection of trace pesticide residues present in trace amounts in the environment and foods. Herein, a facile approach to fabricate unique gold nanochestnuts (GNCs) as an ultra-sensitive SERS substrate for detecting trace pesticide residues has been developed based on anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates. The GNCs are synthesized through the galvanic replacement of Ag on the top of Ni nanorod arrays. The as-prepared GNCs have well-controlled structural parameters, and importantly have unique anisotropic morphologies that benefit the enhancement in SERS performance. As a result, rhodamine 6 G (R6G) can be efficiently detected with GNCs as the SERS substrate even with a concentration of only 10 -12 M, and the Raman enhancement factor reaches up to 5.4 × 10 9 at this concentration. Further SERS measurement of thiram indicates a remarkable SERS-active sensitivity of the as-prepared GNCs with a detection limit of thiram up to 10 -14 M. The GNCs also exhibit a high signal-to-noise ratio.

On-chip ultra-thin layer chromatography and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy.

PubMed

Chen, Jing; Abell, Justin; Huang, Yao-wen; Zhao, Yiping

2012-09-07

We demonstrate that silver nanorod (AgNR) array substrates can be used for on-chip separation and detection of chemical mixtures by combining ultra-thin layer chromatography (UTLC) and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The UTLC-SERS plate consists of an AgNR array fabricated by oblique angle deposition. The capability of the AgNR substrates to separate the different compounds in a mixture was explored using a mixture of four dyes and a mixture of melamine and Rhodamine 6G at varied concentrations with different mobile phase solvents. After UTLC separation, spatially-resolved SERS spectra were collected along the mobile phase development direction and the intensities of specific SERS peaks from each component were used to generate chromatograms. The AgNR substrates demonstrate the potential for separating the test dyes with plate heights as low as 9.6 μm. The limits of detection are between 10(-5)-10(-6) M. Furthermore, we show that the coupling of UTLC with SERS improves the SERS detection specificity, as small amounts of target analytes can be separated from the interfering background components.

Fabrication of Well-Aligned ZnO Nanorods Using a Composite Seed Layer of ZnO Nanoparticles and Chitosan Polymer.

PubMed

Khun, Kimleang; Ibupoto, Zafar Hussain; AlSalhi, Mohamad S; Atif, Muhammad; Ansari, Anees A; Willander, Magnus

2013-09-30

In this study, by taking the advantage of both inorganic ZnO nanoparticles and the organic material chitosan as a composite seed layer, we have fabricated well-aligned ZnO nanorods on a gold-coated glass substrate using the hydrothermal growth method. The ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by the Raman spectroscopic techniques, which showed the nanocrystalline phase of the ZnO nanoparticles. Different composites of ZnO nanoparticles and chitosan were prepared and used as a seed layer for the fabrication of well-aligned ZnO nanorods. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopic techniques were utilized for the structural characterization of the ZnO nanoparticles/chitosan seed layer-coated ZnO nanorods on a gold-coated glass substrate. This study has shown that the ZnO nanorods are well-aligned, uniform, and dense, exhibit the wurtzite hexagonal structure, and are perpendicularly oriented to the substrate. Moreover, the ZnO nanorods are only composed of Zn and O atoms. An optical study was also carried out for the ZnO nanoparticles/chitosan seed layer-coated ZnO nanorods, and the obtained results have shown that the fabricated ZnO nanorods exhibit good crystal quality. This study has provided a cheap fabrication method for the controlled morphology and good alignment of ZnO nanorods, which is of high demand for enhancing the working performance of optoelectronic devices.

Fabrication of Well-Aligned ZnO Nanorods Using a Composite Seed Layer of ZnO Nanoparticles and Chitosan Polymer

PubMed Central

Khun, Kimleang; Ibupoto, Zafar Hussain; AlSalhi, Mohamad S.; Atif, Muhammad; Ansari, Anees A.; Willander, Magnus

2013-01-01

In this study, by taking the advantage of both inorganic ZnO nanoparticles and the organic material chitosan as a composite seed layer, we have fabricated well-aligned ZnO nanorods on a gold-coated glass substrate using the hydrothermal growth method. The ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by the Raman spectroscopic techniques, which showed the nanocrystalline phase of the ZnO nanoparticles. Different composites of ZnO nanoparticles and chitosan were prepared and used as a seed layer for the fabrication of well-aligned ZnO nanorods. Field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and infrared reflection absorption spectroscopic techniques were utilized for the structural characterization of the ZnO nanoparticles/chitosan seed layer-coated ZnO nanorods on a gold-coated glass substrate. This study has shown that the ZnO nanorods are well-aligned, uniform, and dense, exhibit the wurtzite hexagonal structure, and are perpendicularly oriented to the substrate. Moreover, the ZnO nanorods are only composed of Zn and O atoms. An optical study was also carried out for the ZnO nanoparticles/chitosan seed layer-coated ZnO nanorods, and the obtained results have shown that the fabricated ZnO nanorods exhibit good crystal quality. This study has provided a cheap fabrication method for the controlled morphology and good alignment of ZnO nanorods, which is of high demand for enhancing the working performance of optoelectronic devices. PMID:28788336

Trade-off between Zr Passivation and Sn Doping on Hematite Nanorod Photoanodes for Efficient Solar Water Oxidation: Effects of a ZrO2 Underlayer and FTO Deformation.

PubMed

Subramanian, Arunprabaharan; Annamalai, Alagappan; Lee, Hyun Hwi; Choi, Sun Hee; Ryu, Jungho; Park, Jung Hee; Jang, Jum Suk

2016-08-03

Herein we report the influence of a ZrO2 underlayer on the PEC (photoelectrochemical) behavior of hematite nanorod photoanodes for efficient solar water splitting. Particular attention was given to the cathodic shift in onset potential and photocurrent enhancement. Akaganite (β-FeOOH) nanorods were grown on ZrO2-coated FTO (fluorine-doped tin oxide) substrates. Sintering at 800 °C transformed akaganite to the hematite (α-Fe2O3) phase and induced Sn diffusion into the crystal structure of hematite nanorods from the FTO substrates and surface migration, shallow doping of Zr atoms from the ZrO2 underlayer. The ZrO2 underlayer-treated photoanode showed better water oxidation performance compared to the pristine (α-Fe2O3) photoanode. A cathodic shift in the onset potential and photocurrent enhancement was achieved by surface passivation and shallow doping of Zr from the ZrO2 underlayer, along with Sn doping from the FTO substrate to the crystal lattice of hematite nanorods. The Zr based hematite nanorod photoanode achieved 1 mA/cm(2) at 1.23 VRHE with a low turn-on voltage of 0.80 VRHE. Sn doping and Zr passivation, as well as shallow doping, were confirmed by XPS, Iph, and M-S plot analyses. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that the presence of a ZrO2 underlayer decreased the deformation of FTO substrate, improved electron transfer at the hematite/FTO interface and increased charge-transfer resistance at the electrolyte/hematite interface. This is the first systematic investigation of the effects of Zr passivation, shallow doping, and Sn doping on hematite nanorod photoanodes through application of a ZrO2 underlayer on the FTO substrate.

A patterned ZnO nanorod array/gas sensor fabricated by mechanoelectrospinning-assisted selective growth.

PubMed

Wang, Xiaomei; Sun, Fazhe; Huang, Yongan; Duan, Yongqing; Yin, Zhouping

2015-02-21

Micropatterned ZnO nanorod arrays were fabricated by the mechanoelectrospinning-assisted direct-writing process and the hydrothermal growth process, and utilized as gas sensors that exhibited excellent Ohmic behavior and sensitivity response to oxidizing gas NO2 at low concentrations (1-100 ppm).

A theoretical model describing the one-dimensional growth of single crystals on free sustained substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Ziran; Wang, Ke; Lu, Chenxi; Jin, Ying; Sui, Chenghua; Yan, Bo; Gao, Fan; Cai, Pinggen; Lv, Bin; Li, Yun; Chen, Naibo; Sun, Guofang; Xu, Fengyun; Ye, Gaoxiang

2018-03-01

We develop a theoretical model that interprets the growth mechanism of zinc (Zn) crystal nanorods on a liquid substrate by thermal evaporation. During deposition, Zn atoms diffuse randomly on an isotropic and quasi-free sustained substrate, the nucleation of the atoms results in the primary nanorod (or seed crystal) growth. Subsequently, a characteristic one-dimensional atomic aggregation is proposed, which leads to the accelerating growth of the crystal nanorod along its preferential growth direction until the growth terminates. The theoretical results are in good agreement with the experimental findings.

Effect of substrates on structural and optical properties of tin oxide (SnO2) nanostructures.

PubMed

Johari, Anima; Bhatnagar, M C; Rana, Vikas

2012-10-01

We report on controlling the morphology of tin oxide (SnO2) nanostructures and the study of the effect of surface morphology on structural and optical properties of SnO2 nanostuctures. In present work, Tin oxide (SnO2) nanostructures such as nanowires and nanorods have been grown by thermal evaporation of SnO2 powder. To demonstrate the effect of different substrates on the morphology of grown SnO2 nanostructures, the thermal evaporation of SnO2 powder was carried out on Si and gold catalyzed Si (Au/Si) substrates. The scanning-electron-microscopic analysis shows the growth of SnO2 nanowires on Au/Si substrate and growth of SnO2 nanorods on Si substrate. The scanning-and transmission-electron-microscopic analysis shows that the diameter of SnO2 nanowires and nanorods are about 70 nm and 95 nm respectively and their length is about 80 microm and 30 microm respectively. The vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth of SnO2 nanowires and vapor-solid (VS) growth of SnO2 nanorods is also confirmed with the help of TEM and EDX spectra. The synthesized SnO2 nanowires show tetragonal rutile structure of SnO2, whereas SnO2 nanorods show tetragonal rutile as well as cassiterite structure of SnO2. UV-Vis absorption spectra showed the optical band gaps of 4.1 eV and 3.8 eV for the SnO2 nanowires and the nanorods, respectively. The SnO2 nanowires and nanorods show photoluminescence with broad emission peaks centred at around 600 nm and 580 nm respectively. Raman spectra of SnO2 nanowires shows three Raman shifts (478, 632, 773 cm(-1)) corresponding to Eg, A1g and B2g vibration modes, whereas in Raman spectra of SnO2 nanorods, A1g peak is dramatically reduced and the B2g mode is totally quenched.

Core/shell CuO/Al Nanorods Thermite Film Based on Electrochemical Anodization.

PubMed

Yu, Chunpei; Zhang, Wenchao; Hu, Bin; Ni, Debin; Zheng, Zilong; Liu, Jingping; Ma, Kefeng; Ren, Wei

2018-06-13

In this study, a new method was reported for the fabrication of the nanostructured CuO/Al thermite film on the Cu substrate. The CuO nanorods (NRs) arrays vertically grew from the Cu surfaces by electrochemical anodization processes, followed by the deposition of an Al layer on the CuO NRs via magnetron sputtering to form a core/shell CuO/Al nanothermite film, whose component, structure and morphology were subsequently characterized. In addition, the energy-release characteristics of the obtained nanothermite film was investigated using thermal analyses and laser ignition tests. All evidences demonstrate that the obtained CuO/Al is of a uniform structure and superb energy performance. Impressively, this resulted material is potentially useful in the applications of functional energetic chips due to its easy integration with microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies. © 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Tuning the surface morphology of aluminium doped zinc oxide thin films by arrayed nanorods through chemical growth process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Devasia, Sebin; Anila, E. I.

2018-04-01

Here we report the growth and characterization of chemically grown aluminium doped zinc oxide nanorods on seed layers. The seed layers were prepared by chemical spray pyrolysis which acted as the growth centers. The growth duration of nanorods were varied from 3h to 12h in steps of 3h. Further, investigations on their structural, morphological, electrical and optical properties. The SEM images confirmed the hexagonal shaped nanorod arrays grown on the seed layers. Later, the x-ray diffraction measurements revealed the pure zinc oxide phase of the samples. Photoluminescence and photoconductivity studies were carried out to analyze the potential of its optoelectronic properties.

Copper nanorod array assisted silicon waveguide polarization beam splitter

PubMed Central

Kim, Sangsik; Qi, Minghao

2014-01-01

We present the design of a three-dimensional (3D) polarization beam splitter (PBS) with a copper nanorod array placed between two silicon waveguides. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of a metal nanorod array selectively cross-couples transverse electric (TE) mode to the coupler waveguide, while transverse magnetic (TM) mode passes through the original input waveguide without coupling. An ultra-compact and broadband PBS compared to all-dielectric devices is achieved with the LSPR. The output ports of waveguides are designed to support either TM or TE mode only to enhance the extinction ratios. Compared to silver, copper is fully compatible with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology. PMID:24787839

Structural transition of secondary phase oxide nanorods in epitaxial YBa2Cu3O7-δ films on vicinal substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Jack J.; Wu, Judy Z.

2012-12-01

A theoretical study of a structural transition of secondary phase oxide nanorods in epitaxial YBa2Cu3O7-δ films on vicinal SrTiO3 substrates is presented. Two possible types of film/substrate interface are considered, with one assuming complete coherence, while the other is defective as manifested by the presence of antiphase grain boundaries. Only in the former case does the increase of the vicinal angle of the substrate lead to a substantial change of the strain field in the film, resulting in a transition of the nanorod orientation from the normal to the in-plane direction of the film. The calculated threshold vicinal angle for the onset of the transition and lattice deformation of the YBa2Cu3O7-δ film due to the inclusion of the nanorods is in very good agreement with experimental observations. This result sheds lights on the understanding of the role of the film/substrate lattice mismatch in controlling self-assembly of dopant nanostructures in matrix films.

All-optical in-depth detection of the acoustic wave emitted by a single gold nanorod

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Feng; Guillet, Yannick; Ravaine, Serge; Audoin, Bertrand

2018-04-01

A single gold nanorod dropped on the surface of a silica substrate is used as a transient optoacoustic source of gigahertz hypersounds. We demonstrate the all-optical detection of the as-generated acoustic wave front propagating in the silica substrate. For this purpose, time-resolved femtosecond pump-probe experiments are performed in a reflection configuration. The fundamental breathing mode of the nanorod is detected at 23 GHz by interferometry, and the longitudinal acoustic wave radiated in the silica substrate is detected by time-resolved Brillouin scattering. By tuning the optical probe wavelength from 750 to 900 nm, hypersounds with wavelengths of 260-315 nm are detected in the silica substrate, with corresponding acoustic frequencies in the range of 19-23 GHz. To confirm the origin of these hypersounds, we theoretically analyze the influence of the acoustic excitation spectrum on the temporal envelope of the transient reflectivity. This analysis proves that the acoustic wave detected in the silica substrate results from the excitation of the breathing mode of the nanorod. These results pave the way for performing local in-depth elastic nanoscopy.

Facile synthesis and photocatalytic activity of ZnO/zinc titanate core-shell nanorod arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Ding-Chao; Fu, Qiu-Ming; Ma, Zhi-Bin; Zhao, Hong-Yang; Tu, Ya-Fang; Tian, Yu; Zhou, Di; Zheng, Guang; Lu, Hong-Bing

2018-02-01

ZnO/zinc titanate core-shell nanorod arrays (CSNRs) were successfully prepared via a simple synthesis process by combining hydrothermal synthesis and liquid phase deposition (LPD). The surface morphologies, crystalline characteristics, optical properties and surface electronic states of the ZnO/zinc titanate CSNRs were characterized by scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, x-ray diffractometer, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, PL and ultraviolet (UV)-visible absorption spectra. By controlling the reaction time of LPD, the shell thickness could vary with the reaction time. Furthermore, the impacts of the reaction time and post-annealing temperature on the crystalline structure and chemical composition of the CSNRs were also investigated. The studies of photocatalytic activity under UV light irradiation revealed that the ZnO/zinc titanate CSNRs annealed at 700 °C with 30 min deposition exhibited the best photocatalytic activity and good stability for degradation of methylene blue. It had been found that the effective separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs in the CSNRs led to the enhanced photocatalytic activity. Moreover, the ZnO/zinc titanate CSNRs grown on quartz glass substrate could be easily recycled for reuse with almost unchanged photocatalytic activity.

The use of silver nanorod array based surface enhanced Raman scattering sensor for food safety applications

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

For the advancement of preventive strategies, it is critical to develop rapid and sensitive detection methods with nanotechnology for food safety applications. This article reports the recent development on the use of aligned silver nanorod (AgNR) arrays prepared by oblique angle deposition, as surf...

Vertically aligned ZnO nanorod core-polypyrrole conducting polymer sheath and nanotube arrays for electrochemical supercapacitor energy storage

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Nanocomposite electrodes having three-dimensional (3-D) nanoscale architecture comprising of vertically aligned ZnO nanorod array core-polypyrrole (PPy) conducting polymer sheath and the vertical PPy nanotube arrays have been investigated for supercapacitor energy storage. The electrodes in the ZnO nanorod core-PPy sheath structure are formed by preferential nucleation and deposition of PPy layer over hydrothermally synthesized vertical ZnO nanorod array by controlled pulsed current electropolymerization of pyrrole monomer under surfactant action. The vertical PPy nanotube arrays of different tube diameter are created by selective etching of the ZnO nanorod core in ammonia solution for different periods. Cyclic voltammetry studies show high areal-specific capacitance approximately 240 mF.cm-2 for open pore and approximately 180 mF.cm-2 for narrow 30-to-36-nm diameter PPy nanotube arrays attributed to intensive faradic processes arising from enhanced access of electrolyte ions through nanotube interior and exterior. Impedance spectroscopy studies show that capacitive response extends over larger frequency domain in electrodes with PPy nanotube structure. Simulation of Nyquist plots by electrical equivalent circuit modeling establishes that 3-D nanostructure is better represented by constant phase element which accounts for the inhomogeneous electrochemical redox processes. Charge-discharge studies at different current densities establish that kinetics of the redox process in PPy nanotube electrode is due to the limitation on electron transport rather than the diffusive process of electrolyte ions. The PPy nanotube electrodes show deep discharge capability with high coulomb efficiency and long-term charge-discharge cyclic studies show nondegrading performance of the specific areal capacitance tested for 5,000 cycles. PMID:25246867

Growth and characterization of V2O5 nanorods deposited by spray pyrolysis at low temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abd-Alghafour, N. M.; Ahmed, Naser M.; Hassan, Zai.; Mohammad, Sabah M.; Bououdina, M.

2016-07-01

Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) nanorods were deposited by spray pyrolysis on preheated glass substrates at low temperatures. The influence of substrate temperature on the crystallization of V2O5 has been investigated. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) revealed that the films deposited at Tsub = 300°C were orthorhombic structures with preferential along (001) direction. Formation of nanorods from substrate surface which led to the formation of films with small-sized and rod-shaped nanostructure is observed by field scanning electron microscopy. Optical transmittance in the visible range increases to reach a maximum value of about 80% for a substrate temperature of 350°C. PL spectra reveal one main broad peak centered around 540 nm with high intensity.

Morphology-controlled cactus-like branched anatase TiO2 arrays with high light-harvesting efficiency for dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Wu-Qiang; Rao, Hua-Shang; Feng, Hao-Lin; Guo, Xin-Dong; Su, Cheng-Yong; Kuang, Dai-Bin

2014-08-01

The present work establishes a facile process for one-step hydrothermal growth of vertically aligned anatase cactus-like branched TiO2 (CBT) arrays on a transparent conducting oxide (TCO) substrate. Various CBT morphologies are obtained by adjusting the potassium titanium oxide oxalate (PTO) reactant concentration (from 0.05 M to 0.15 M) and this yields a morphologically-controllable branched TiO2 arrays geometry. The CBT arrays consist of a vertically oriented nanowire (NW) or nanosheet (NS) stem and a host of short nanorod (NR) branches. The hierarchical CBT arrays demonstrate their excellent candidatures as photoanodes, which are capable of exhibiting high light-harvesting efficiency in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Consequently, DSSCs based on 7 μm long optimized CBT arrays (0.05 M PTO), which are assembled with high density and high aspect-ratio NR branches, exhibit an impressive power conversion efficiency of 6.43% under AM 1.5G one sun illumination. The high performance can be attributed to the prominent light-harvesting efficiency, resulting from larger surface area and superior light-scattering capability.

Significant enhancement of power conversion efficiency for dye sensitized solar cell using 1D/3D network nanostructures as photoanodes

PubMed Central

Wang, Hao; Wang, Baoyuan; Yu, Jichao; Hu, Yunxia; Xia, Chen; Zhang, Jun; Liu, Rong

2015-01-01

The single–crystalline TiO2 nanorod arrays with rutile phase have attracted much attention in the dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) applications because of their superior chemical stability, better electron transport properties, higher refractive index and low production cost. However, it suffers from a low surface area as compared with TiO2 nanoparticle films. In order to enlarge the surface area of TiO2 nanorod arrays, the 1D nanorods/3D nanotubes sample was synthesized using a facile two-step hydrothermal process involving hydrothermal growth 1D/3D nanorods and followed by post-etching treatment. In such bi-layer structure, the oriented TiO2 nanorods layer could provide direct pathway for fast electron transportation, and the 3D nanotubes layer offers a higher surface area for dye loading, therefore, the 1D nanorods/3D nanotubes photoanode exhibited faster electron transport and higher surface area than either 1D or 3D nanostructures alone, and an highest efficiency of 7.68% was achieved for the DSSCs based on 1D nanorods/3D nanotubes photoanode with further TiCl4 treatment. PMID:25800933

Photodeposition of Ag2S on TiO2 nanorod arrays for quantum dot-sensitized solar cells

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Ag2S quantum dots were deposited on the surface of TiO2 nanorod arrays by a two-step photodeposition. The prepared TiO2 nanorod arrays as well as the Ag2S deposited electrodes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscope, suggesting a large coverage of Ag2S quantum dots on the ordered TiO2 nanorod arrays. UV–vis absorption spectra of Ag2S deposited electrodes show a broad absorption range of the visible light. The quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) based on these electrodes were fabricated, and the photoelectrochemical properties were examined. A high photocurrent density of 10.25 mA/cm2 with a conversion efficiency of 0.98% at AM 1.5 solar light of 100 mW/cm2 was obtained with an optimal photodeposition time. The performance of the QDSSC at different incident light intensities was also investigated. The results display a better performance at a lower incident light level with a conversion efficiency of 1.25% at 47 mW/cm2. PMID:23286551

Growth process for gallium nitride porous nanorods

DOEpatents

Wildeson, Isaac Harshman; Sands, Timothy David

2015-03-24

A GaN nanorod and formation method. Formation includes providing a substrate having a GaN film, depositing SiN.sub.x on the GaN film, etching a growth opening through the SiN.sub.x and into the GaN film, growing a GaN nanorod through the growth opening, the nanorod having a nanopore running substantially through its centerline. Focused ion beam etching can be used. The growing can be done using organometallic vapor phase epitaxy. The nanopore diameter can be controlled using the growth opening diameter or the growing step duration. The GaN nanorods can be removed from the substrate. The SiN.sub.x layer can be removed after the growing step. A SiO.sub.x template can be formed on the GaN film and the GaN can be grown to cover the SiO.sub.x template before depositing SiN.sub.x on the GaN film. The SiO.sub.x template can be removed after growing the nanorods.

ZnO nanorod array polydimethylsiloxane composite solid phase micro-extraction fiber coating: fabrication and extraction capability.

PubMed

Wang, Dan; Wang, Qingtang; Zhang, Zhuomin; Chen, Guonan

2012-01-21

ZnO nanorod array coating is a novel kind of solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fiber coating which shows good extraction capability due to the nanostructure. To prepare the composite coating is a good way to improve the extraction capability. In this paper, the ZnO nanorod array polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite SPME fiber coating has been prepared and its extraction capability for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has been studied by headspace sampling the typical volatile mixed standard solution of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX). Improved detection limit and good linear ranges have been achieved for this composite SPME fiber coating. Also, it is found that the composite SPME fiber coating shows good extraction selectivity to the VOCs with alkane radicals.

Aligned copper nanorod arrays for highly efficient generation of intense ultra-broadband THz pulses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mondal, S.; Wei, Q.; Ding, W. J.; Hafez, H. A.; Fareed, M. A.; Laramée, A.; Ropagnol, X.; Zhang, G.; Sun, S.; Sheng, Z. M.; Zhang, J.; Ozaki, T.

2017-01-01

We demonstrate an intense broadband terahertz (THz) source based on the interaction of relativistic-intensity femtosecond lasers with aligned copper nanorod array targets. For copper nanorod targets with a length of 5 μm, a maximum 13.8 times enhancement in the THz pulse energy (in ≤20 THz spectral range) is measured as compared to that with a thick plane copper target under the same laser conditions. A further increase in the nanorod length leads to a decrease in the THz pulse energy at medium frequencies (≤20 THz) and increase of the electromagnetic pulse energy in the high-frequency range (from 20-200 THz). For the latter, we measure a maximum energy enhancement of 28 times for the nanorod targets with a length of 60 μm. Particle-in-cell simulations reveal that THz pulses are mostly generated by coherent transition radiation of laser produced hot electrons, which are efficiently enhanced with the use of nanorod targets. Good agreement is found between the simulation and experimental results.

Aligned copper nanorod arrays for highly efficient generation of intense ultra-broadband THz pulses.

PubMed

Mondal, S; Wei, Q; Ding, W J; Hafez, H A; Fareed, M A; Laramée, A; Ropagnol, X; Zhang, G; Sun, S; Sheng, Z M; Zhang, J; Ozaki, T

2017-01-10

We demonstrate an intense broadband terahertz (THz) source based on the interaction of relativistic-intensity femtosecond lasers with aligned copper nanorod array targets. For copper nanorod targets with a length of 5 μm, a maximum 13.8 times enhancement in the THz pulse energy (in ≤20 THz spectral range) is measured as compared to that with a thick plane copper target under the same laser conditions. A further increase in the nanorod length leads to a decrease in the THz pulse energy at medium frequencies (≤20 THz) and increase of the electromagnetic pulse energy in the high-frequency range (from 20-200 THz). For the latter, we measure a maximum energy enhancement of 28 times for the nanorod targets with a length of 60 μm. Particle-in-cell simulations reveal that THz pulses are mostly generated by coherent transition radiation of laser produced hot electrons, which are efficiently enhanced with the use of nanorod targets. Good agreement is found between the simulation and experimental results.

Aligned copper nanorod arrays for highly efficient generation of intense ultra-broadband THz pulses

PubMed Central

Mondal, S.; Wei, Q.; Ding, W. J.; Hafez, H. A.; Fareed, M. A.; Laramée, A.; Ropagnol, X.; Zhang, G.; Sun, S.; Sheng, Z. M.; Zhang, J.; Ozaki, T.

2017-01-01

We demonstrate an intense broadband terahertz (THz) source based on the interaction of relativistic-intensity femtosecond lasers with aligned copper nanorod array targets. For copper nanorod targets with a length of 5 μm, a maximum 13.8 times enhancement in the THz pulse energy (in ≤20 THz spectral range) is measured as compared to that with a thick plane copper target under the same laser conditions. A further increase in the nanorod length leads to a decrease in the THz pulse energy at medium frequencies (≤20 THz) and increase of the electromagnetic pulse energy in the high-frequency range (from 20–200 THz). For the latter, we measure a maximum energy enhancement of 28 times for the nanorod targets with a length of 60 μm. Particle-in-cell simulations reveal that THz pulses are mostly generated by coherent transition radiation of laser produced hot electrons, which are efficiently enhanced with the use of nanorod targets. Good agreement is found between the simulation and experimental results. PMID:28071764

Cr-Si Schottky nano-diodes utilizing anodic aluminum oxide templates.

PubMed

Kwon, Namyong; Kim, Kyohyeok; Heo, Jinhee; Chung, Ilsub

2014-04-01

We have fabricated Cr nanodot Schottky diodes utilizing AAO templates formed on n-Si substrates. The diameters of the diodes were 75.0, 57.6, and 35.8 nm. Cr nanodot Schottky diodes with smaller diameters yield higher current densities than those with larger diameters due to an enhanced tunnel current contribution, which is attributed to a reduction in the barrier thickness. The diameters of Cr nanodots smaller than the Debye length (156 nm) play an important role in the reduction of barrier thickness. Also, we have fabricated Cr-Si nanorod Schottky diodes with three different lengths (130, 220, and 330 nm) by dry etching of n-Si substrate. Cr-Si nanorod Schottky diodes with longer nanorods yield higher reverse current than those with shorter nanorods due to the enhanced electric field, which is attributed to a high aspect ratio of Si nanorod.

High extraction efficiency GaN-based light-emitting diodes on embedded SiO2 nanorod array and nanoscale patterned sapphire substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Hung-Wen; Huang, Jhi-Kai; Kuo, Shou-Yi; Lee, Kang-Yuan; Kuo, Hao-Chung

2010-06-01

In this paper, GaN-based LEDs with a nanoscale patterned sapphire substrate (NPSS) and a SiO2 photonic quasicrystal (PQC) structure on an n-GaN layer using nanoimprint lithography are fabricated and investigated. The light output power of LED with a NPSS and a SiO2 PQC structure on an n-GaN layer was 48% greater than that of conventional LED. Strong enhancement in output power is attributed to better epitaxial quality and higher reflectance resulted from NPSS and PQC structures. Transmission electron microscopy images reveal that threading dislocations are blocked or bended in the vicinities of NPSS layer. These results provide promising potential to increase output power for commercial light emitting devices.

Nonlinear Photochromic Switching in the Plasmonic Field of a Nanoparticle Array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Otolski, Christopher J.; Argyropoulos, Christos; Elles, Christopher G.

2017-06-01

Plasmonic nanostructures provide unique environments for non-resonant excitation and switching of photochromic compounds. In this study, photochromic diarylethene molecules were deposited on top of a periodically ordered array of gold nanorods (170 x 80 nm) and then irradiated with <100 fs laser pulses. Irradiation at 800 nm drives the plasmon resonance of the nanoparticle array and induces the photochromic conversion of molecules via non-resonant two-photon excitation. Transmission measurements using broadband continuum laser pulses probe the progress of the photochemical cycloreversion reaction as molecules switch from a visible-absorbing closed-ring structure to a transparent open-ring structure. The spatial dependence of the two-photon conversion of molecules in the plasmonic near field of the array is modeled using calculated field enhancements, and compared with similar measurements for a film of molecules on a glass substrate. Wavelength-dependent polarization effects in the near field of the array lead to interesting anisotropy results in the transmission signal. The results emphasize the importance of both the spatial dependence and anisotropy of the enhanced electric fields in driving non-resonant photochromic reactions.

Endothelialization of TiO2 Nanorods Coated with Ultrathin Amorphous Carbon Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Hongpeng; Tang, Nan; Chen, Min; Chen, Dihu

2016-03-01

Carbon plasma nanocoatings with controlled fraction of sp3-C bonding were deposited on TiO2 nanorod arrays (TNAs) by DC magnetic-filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition (FCVAD). The cytocompatibility of TNA/carbon nanocomposites was systematically investigated. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured on the nanocomposites for 4, 24, and 72 h in vitro. It was found that plasma-treated TNAs exhibited excellent cell viability as compared to the untreated. Importantly, our results show that cellular responses positively correlate with the sp3-C content. The cells cultured on high sp3-C-contented substrates exhibit better attachment, shape configuration, and proliferation. These findings indicate that the nanocomposites with high sp3-C content possessed superior cytocompatibility. Notably, the nanocomposites drastically reduced platelet adhesion and activation in our previous studies. Taken together, these findings suggest the TNA/carbon scaffold may serve as a guide for the design of multi-functionality devices that promotes endothelialization and improves hemocompatibility.

Hierarchical nanorods constructed by Mn2Mo3O8@reduced graphene oxide nanosheet arrays with enhanced lithium storage properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Lifeng; Shen, Kechao; He, Wenjie; Liu, Yi; Yin, Lixiong; Guo, Shouwu

2018-10-01

3D hierarchical nanorods of Mn2Mo3O8@reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanohybrid assembled with nanosheet arrays have been fabricated via a facile solvothermal process combined with subsequent anneal. It is identified that the annealing temperature and the input amount of graphene oxide (GO) are critical to form such unique Mn2Mo3O8@rGO nanostructure, whose hierarchical nanorods (ca. 470 nm of diameter) are constructed by vertical nanosheet arrays (30 ± 5 nm average thickness for individual nanosheet). As an anode material for lithium ion batteries, the hierarchical Mn2Mo3O8@rGO electrode delivers superior capability and rate properties to the compared nanostructure synthesized at different annealing temperature. The enhanced electrochemical performance is attributed to the rational combination of 3D nanorods and 2D nanosheets, which is beneficial to the fast penetration of electrolytes and thus provide more reactive facets, shorten the diffusion paths of Li+ and facilitate the electron conduction.

Plasmon enhanced fluorescence studies from aligned gold nanorod arrays modified with SiO{sub 2} spacer layers

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Damm, Signe; Fedele, Stefano; Rice, James H., E-mail: james.rice@ucd.ie

Here, we demonstrate that quasi self-standing Au nanorod arrays prepared with plasma polymerisation deposited SiO{sub 2} dielectric spacers support surface enhanced fluorescence (SEF) while maintaining high signal reproducibility. We show that it is possible to find a balance between enhanced radiative and non-radiative decay rates at which the fluorescent intensity is maximized. The SEF signal optimised with a 30 nm spacer layer thickness showed a 3.5-fold enhancement with a signal variance of <15% thereby keeping the integrity of the nanorod array. We also demonstrate the decreased importance of obtaining resonance conditions when localized surface plasmon resonance is positioned within the spectralmore » region of Au interband transitions. Procedures for further increasing the SEF enhancement factor are also discussed.« less

Direct growth of cerium oxide nanorods on diverse substrates for superhydrophobicity and corrosion resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Young Jun; Jang, Hanmin; Lee, Kwan-Soo; Kim, Dong Rip

2015-06-01

Superhydrophobic surfaces with anti-corrosion properties have attracted great interest in many industrial fields, particularly to enhance the thermal performance of offshore applications such as heat exchangers, pipelines, power plants, and platform structures. Nanostructures with hydrophobic materials have been widely utilized to realize superhydrophobicity of surfaces, and cerium oxide has been highlighted due to its good corrosion resistive and intrinsically hydrophobic properties. However, few studies of direct growth of cerium oxide nanostructures on diverse substrates have been reported. Herein we report a facile hydrothermal method to directly grow cerium oxide nanorods on diverse substrates, such as aluminum alloy, stainless steel, titanium, and silicon. Diverse substrates with cerium oxide nanorods exhibited superhydrophobicity with no hydrophobic modifiers on their surfaces, and showed good corrosion resistive properties in corrosive medium. We believe our method could pave the way for realization of scalable and sustainable corrosion resistive superhydrophobic surfaces in many industrial fields.

A comprehensive biosensor integrated with a ZnO nanorod FET array for selective detection of glucose, cholesterol and urea.

PubMed

Ahmad, Rafiq; Tripathy, Nirmalya; Park, Jin-Ho; Hahn, Yoon-Bong

2015-08-04

We report a novel straightforward approach for simultaneous and highly-selective detection of multi-analytes (i.e. glucose, cholesterol and urea) using an integrated field-effect transistor (i-FET) array biosensor without any interference in each sensor response. Compared to analytically-measured data, performance of the ZnO nanorod based i-FET array biosensor is found to be highly reliable for rapid detection of multi-analytes in mice blood, and serum and blood samples of diabetic dogs.

Multiplex and high-throughput DNA detection using surface plasmon mediated fluorescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mei, Zhong

The overall objective of this research project was to develop a user-friendly and sensitive biosensor for nucleic acid aptamers with multiplexing and high-throughput capability. The sensing was based on the fluorescence signals emitted by the fluorophores coupling with plamonic nanoparticle (gold nanorod) deposited on a patterned substrate. Gold nanorods (GNRs) were synthesized using a binary mixture of hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium oleate (NaOL) in seed mediated growth method. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) printed glass slides were selectively coated with a gold thin-film to define hydrophilic areas for GNR deposition. Due to the wettablity contrast, GNR solution dropped on the slide was induced to assemble exclusively in the hydrophilic spots. By controlling temperature and humidity of the evaporation process, vertically-standing GNR arrays were achieved on the pattered slide. Fluorescence was conjugated to GNR surface via DNA double strand with tunable length. Theoretical simulation predicted a flat layer ( 30 nm thick) of uniform "hot spots" presented on the GNR tips, which could modify the nearby fluorescence. Experimentally, the vertical GNR arrays yielded metallic enhanced fluorescence (MEF) effect, which was dependent on the spectrum overlap and GNR-fluorophore distance. Specifically, the maximum enhancement of Quasar 670 and Alexa 750 was observed when it was coupled with GNR664 (plasmonic wavelength 664 nm) and GNR778 respectively at a distance of 16 nm, while the carboxyfluorescein (FAM) was at maximal intensity when attached to gold nanosphere520. This offers an opportunity for multiplexed DNA sensing. Based on this, we developed a novel GNR mediated fluorescence biosensor for DNA detection. Fluorescence labeled haipin-DNA probes were introduced to designated spots of GNR array with the matching LSPR wavelengths on the substrate. The fluorescence was quenched originally because of Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) effect. Upon hybridization with their complimentary target DNAs, hairpin structures were opened and the fluorescence enhancement from each GNR sensing spot was measured by fluorescence scanning. We demonstrated multiple DNA sequences were simultaneously detected at a picomolar level with high-throughput capability using the ordered GNR array biochip.

Facile construction of vertically aligned EuS-ZnO hybrid core shell nanorod arrays for visible light driven photocatalytic properties

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ranjith, K. S.; Kumar, D. Ranjith; Kumar, R. T. Rajendra, E-mail: rtrkumar@buc.edu.in

2015-06-24

We demonstrated the development of coupled semiconductor in the form of hybrid heterostructures for significant advancement in catalytic functional materials. In this article, we report the preparation of vertically aligned core shell ZnO-EuS nanorod photocatalyst arrays by a simple chemical solution process followed by sulfudation process. The XRD pattern confirmed formation of the hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO and cubic nature of the EuS. Cross sectional FESEM images show vertical rod array structure, and the size of the nanorods ranges from 80 to 120 nm. UV-Vis DRS spectra showed that the optical absorption of ZnO was significantly enhanced to the visiblemore » region by modification with EuS surfaces. TEM study confirmed that the surface of ZnO was drastically improved by the modification with EuS nanoparticle. The catalytic activity of EuS−ZnO core shell nanorod arrays were evaluated by the photodegradation of Methylene Blue (MB) dye under visible irradiation. The results revealed that the photocatalytic activity of EuS−ZnO was much higher than that of ZnO under natural sunlight. EuS−ZnO was found to be stable and reusable without appreciable loss of catalytic activity up to four consecutive cycles.« less

UV-enhanced CO sensing using Ga 2O 3-based nanorod arrays at elevated temperature

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lin, Hui-Jan; Gao, Haiyong; Gao, Pu-Xian

Monitoring and control of gaseous combustion process are critically important in advanced energy systems such as power plants, gas turbines, and automotive engines. However, very limited gas sensing solutions are available in the market for such application due to the inherent high temperature of combustion gaseous atmosphere. In this study, we fabricated and demonstrated high-performance metal oxide based nanorod array sensors assisted with ultra-violet (UV) illumination for in situ and real-time high-temperature gas detection. Without UV-illumination, it was found surface decoration of either 5 nm LSFO or 1 nm Pt nanoparticles can enhance the sensitivity over CO at 500 °Cmore » by an order of magnitude. Under the 254 nm UV illumination, CO gas-sensing performance of Ga 2O 3-based nanorod array sensors was further enhanced with the sensitivity boosted by 125 %, and the response time reduced by 30 % for La 0.8Sr 0.2FeO 3(LSFO)-decorated sample. The UV-enhanced detecting of CO might be due to the increased population of photo-induced electron-hole pairs. While for LSFO-decorated nanorod array sensor under UV illumination, the enhancement is through a combination of sensitizing effect and photocurrent effect.« less

Short-length and high-density TiO2 nanorod arrays for the efficient charge separation interface in perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Guannan; Shi, Chengwu; Zhang, Zhengguo; Li, Nannan; Li, Long

2017-05-01

The TiO2 nanorod arrays with the length of 70 nm, the diameter of 20 nm, and the areal density of 1000 μm-2 were firstly prepared by the hydrothermal method using the aqueous grown solution of 38 mM titanium isopropoxide and 6 M hydrochloric acid at 170 °C for 60 min. Over-500 nm-thickness CH3NH3PbI3-xBrx absorber layers were successfully obtained by sequential deposition routes using 1.7 M PbI2·DMSO complex precursor solution and 0.465 M isopropanol solution of the methylammonium halide mixture with the molar ratio of CH3NH3I/CH3NH3Br=85/15. The perovskite solar cells based on the TiO2 nanorod array and 560 nm-thickness CH3NH3PbI3-xBrx absorber layer exhibited the best photoelectric conversion efficiency (PCE) of 15.93%, while the corresponding planar perovskite solar cells without the TiO2 nanorod array and with 530 nm-thickness CH3NH3PbI3-xBrx absorber layer gave the best PCE of 12.82% at the relative humidity of 50-54%.

UV-enhanced CO sensing using Ga 2O 3-based nanorod arrays at elevated temperature

DOE PAGES

Lin, Hui-Jan; Gao, Haiyong; Gao, Pu-Xian

2017-01-23

Monitoring and control of gaseous combustion process are critically important in advanced energy systems such as power plants, gas turbines, and automotive engines. However, very limited gas sensing solutions are available in the market for such application due to the inherent high temperature of combustion gaseous atmosphere. In this study, we fabricated and demonstrated high-performance metal oxide based nanorod array sensors assisted with ultra-violet (UV) illumination for in situ and real-time high-temperature gas detection. Without UV-illumination, it was found surface decoration of either 5 nm LSFO or 1 nm Pt nanoparticles can enhance the sensitivity over CO at 500 °Cmore » by an order of magnitude. Under the 254 nm UV illumination, CO gas-sensing performance of Ga 2O 3-based nanorod array sensors was further enhanced with the sensitivity boosted by 125 %, and the response time reduced by 30 % for La 0.8Sr 0.2FeO 3(LSFO)-decorated sample. The UV-enhanced detecting of CO might be due to the increased population of photo-induced electron-hole pairs. While for LSFO-decorated nanorod array sensor under UV illumination, the enhancement is through a combination of sensitizing effect and photocurrent effect.« less

UV-enhanced CO sensing using Ga2O3-based nanorod arrays at elevated temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Hui-Jan; Gao, Haiyong; Gao, Pu-Xian

2017-01-01

Monitoring and control of the gaseous combustion process are critically important in advanced energy systems such as power plants, gas turbines, and automotive engines. However, very limited gas sensing solutions are available in the market for such applications due to the inherent high temperature of the combustion gaseous atmosphere. In this study, we fabricated and demonstrated high-performance metal oxide based nanorod array sensors assisted with ultra-violet (UV) illumination for in situ and real-time high-temperature gas detection. Without UV-illumination, it was found that surface decoration of either 5 nm LSFO or 1 nm Pt nanoparticles can enhance the sensitivity over CO at 500 °C by an order of magnitude. Under the 254 nm UV illumination, the CO gas-sensing performance of Ga2O3-based nanorod array sensors was further enhanced with the sensitivity boosted by 125% and the response time reduced by 30% for the La0.8Sr0.2FeO3(LSFO)-decorated sample. The UV-enhanced detection of CO might be due to the increased population of photo-induced electron-hole pairs, whereas for LSFO-decorated nanorod array sensor under UV illumination, the enhancement is through a combination of the sensitizing effect and photocurrent effect.

Gold Nanorods as Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Substrates for Rapid and Sensitive Analysis of Allura Red and Sunset Yellow in Beverages.

PubMed

Ou, Yiming; Wang, Xiaohui; Lai, Keqiang; Huang, Yiqun; Rasco, Barbara A; Fan, Yuxia

2018-03-21

Synthetic colorants in food can be a potential threat to human health. In this study, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) coupled with gold nanorods as substrates is proposed to analyze allura red and sunset yellow in beverages. The gold nanorods with different aspect ratios were synthesized, and their long-term stability, SERS activity, and the effect of the different salts on the SERS signal were investigated. The results demonstrate that gold nanorods have a satisfactory stability (stored up to 28 days). SERS coupled with gold nanorods exhibit stronger sensitivity. MgSO 4 was chosen to improve the SERS signal of sunset yellow, and no salts could enhance the SERS signal of allura red. The lowest concentration was 0.10 mg/L for both colorant standard solutions. The successful prediction results using SERS were much closer to those obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography for the sample in beverages. SERS combined with gold nanorods shows potential for analyzing food colorants and other food additives as a rapid, convenient, and sensitive method.

Ultrasensitive sliver nanorods array SERS sensor for mercury ions.

PubMed

Song, Chunyuan; Yang, Boyue; Zhu, Yu; Yang, Yanjun; Wang, Lianhui

2017-01-15

With years of outrageous mercury emissions, there is an urgent need to develop convenient and sensitive methods for detecting mercury ions in response to increasingly serious mercury pollution in water. In the present work, a portable, ultrasensitive SERS sensor is proposed and utilized for detecting trace mercury ions in water. The SERS sensor is prepared on an excellent sliver nanorods array SERS substrate by immobilizing T-component oligonucleotide probes labeled with dye on the 3'-end and -SH on the 5'-end. The SERS sensor responses to the specific chemical bonding between thymine and mercury ions, which causes the previous flexible single strand of oligonucleotide probe changing into rigid and upright double chain structure. Such change in the structure drives the dyes far away from the excellent SERS substrate and results in a SERS signal attenuation of the dye. Therefore, by monitoring the decay of SERS signal of the dye, mercury ions in water can be detected qualitatively and quantitatively. The experimental results indicate that the proposed optimal SERS sensor owns a linear response with wide detecting range from 1pM to 1μM, and a detection limit of 0.16pM is obtained. In addition, the SERS sensor demonstrates good specificity for Hg 2+ , which can accurately identify trace mercury ions from a mixture of ten kinds of other ions. The SERS sensor has been further executed to analyze the trace mercury ions in tap water and lake water respectively, and good recovery rates are obtained for sensing both kinds of water. With its high selectivity and good portability, the ultrasensitive SERS sensor is expected to be a promising candidate for discriminating mercury ions in the fields of environmental monitoring and food safety. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improvement of the electrochemical properties via poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) oriented micro/nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yu; Wang, Bichen; Chen, Huimin; Feng, Wei

Arrays of oriented poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) micro/nanorods are synthesized by electrochemical galvanostatic method at the current density of 1 mA cm -2 in the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) aqueous solution whose pH value is 1. The CTAB is used both as the surfactant and the supporting salt in the electrolyte solution. The electrochemical properties of PEDOT films are characterized by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge techniques, which indicate that the arrays of oriented PEDOT micro/nanorods can be applied as the electrode materials of supercapacitors. In addition, the cycling performance of PEDOT micro/nanorods is much better than that of traditional PEDOT particles. The effects of the concentration of CTAB, the current density, and pH value of electrolyte solutions on the morphologies and electrochemical properties of PEDOT films are investigated. The mechanism of different morphologies formation is discussed in this study as well.

An amorphous FeMoS4 nanorod array toward efficient hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis under neutral conditions.

PubMed

Ren, Xiang; Wang, Weiyi; Ge, Ruixiang; Hao, Shuai; Qu, Fengli; Du, Gu; Asiri, Abdullah M; Wei, Qin; Chen, Liang; Sun, Xuping

2017-08-08

It is highly attractive to develop efficient hydrogen-evolving electrocatalysts under neutral conditions. In this communication, we report an amorphous FeMoS 4 nanorod array on carbon cloth (FeMoS 4 NRA/CC) prepared by hydrothermal treatment of an FeOOH nanorod array on carbon cloth (FeOOH NRA/CC) in (NH 4 ) 2 MoS 4 solution. As a 3D electrode for hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis, this FeMoS 4 NRA/CC demonstrates superior catalytic activity and strong long-term electrochemical durability in 1.0 M phosphate buffered saline (pH: 7). It needs an overpotential of 204 mV to drive a geometrical current density of 10 mA cm -2 , which is 450 mV less than that for FeOOH NRA/CC. Density functional theory calculations suggest that FeMoS 4 has a more favourable hydrogen adsorption free energy than FeOOH.

Patterned Well-Aligned ZnO Nanorods Assisted with Polystyrene Monolayer by Oxygen Plasma Treatment.

PubMed

Choi, Hyun Ji; Lee, Yong-Min; Yu, Jung-Hoon; Hwang, Ki-Hwan; Boo, Jin-Hyo

2016-08-05

Zinc oxide is known as a promising material for sensing devices due to its piezoelectric properties. In particular, the alignment of ZnO nanostructures into ordered nanoarrays is expected to improve the device sensitivity due to the large surface area which can be utilized to capture significant quantities of gas particles. However, ZnO nanorods are difficult to grow on the quartz substrate with well-ordered shape. So, we investigated nanostructures by adjusting the interval distance of the arranged ZnO nanorods using polystyrene (PS) spheres of various sizes (800 nm, 1300 nm and 1600 nm). In addition, oxygen plasma treatment was used to specify the nucleation site of round, patterned ZnO nanorod growth. Therefore, ZnO nanorods were grown on a quartz substrate with a patterned polystyrene monolayer by the hydrothermal method after oxygen plasma treatment. The obtained ZnO nanostructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM).

Improvement in the luminous efficiency of MEH-PPV based light emitting diodes using zinc oxide nanorods grown by the electrochemical deposition technique on ITO substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Rohini B.; Kumar, Jitender; Madhwal, Devinder; Singh, Inderpreet; Kaur, I.; Bhardwaj, L. M.; Nagpal, S.; Bhatnagar, P. K.; Mathur, P. C.

2011-07-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods grown by the electrochemical technique have been used to enhance the luminance of poly[2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethylhexoxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV)-based polymer light-emitting diodes. The luminance of the device with ZnO nanorods is found to increase by more than two times as compared with the device without ZnO nanorods. The diameter of the nanorods used in device fabrication was ~145 nm. The size of the nanorods was estimated from field emission scanning electron microscope images. Optical and structural characterizations of the nanorods were also performed by using absorption, photoluminescence and x-ray diffraction, confirming the formation of ZnO nanorods.

Methods of making functionalized nanorods

DOEpatents

Gur, Ilan [San Francisco, CA; Milliron, Delia [Berkeley, CA; Alivisatos, A Paul [Oakland, CA; Liu, Haitao [Berkeley, CA

2012-01-10

A process for forming functionalized nanorods. The process includes providing a substrate, modifying the substrate by depositing a self-assembled monolayer of a bi-functional molecule on the substrate, wherein the monolayer is chosen such that one side of the bi-functional molecule binds to the substrate surface and the other side shows an independent affinity for binding to a nanocrystal surface, so as to form a modified substrate. The process further includes contacting the modified substrate with a solution containing nanocrystal colloids, forming a bound monolayer of nanocrystals on the substrate surface, depositing a polymer layer over the monolayer of nanocrystals to partially cover the monolayer of nanocrystals, so as to leave a layer of exposed nanocrystals, functionalizing the exposed nanocrystals, to form functionalized nanocrystals, and then releasing the functionalized nanocrystals from the substrate.

Growth of ZnO nanorods on glass substrate deposited using dip coating method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rani, Rozina Abdul; Ghafar, Safiah Ab; Zoolfakar, Ahmad Sabirin; Rusop, M.

2018-05-01

ZnO unique properties make it attractive for electronics and optoelectronics application. There are varieties synthesis of ZnO nanostructure but one of the best ways is by using dip coating method due to its simplicity, low cost and reliability. This research investigated the effect of precursor concentration on the morphology of ZnO nanorods using dip coating technique. ZnO nanorods is synthesized by using zinc nitrate as precursor and glass slide as substrate. The morphology of ZnO is characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). By using different concentration of precursor, each outcome demonstrated diverse morphologies.

AZO nanorods thin films by sputtering method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosli, A. B.; Shariffudin, S. S.; Awang, Z.; Herman, S. H.

2018-05-01

Al-doped zinc oxide (AZO) nanorods thin film were deposited on Au catalyst using RF sputtering at 300 °C. The 15 nm thickness Au catalyst were deposited on glass substrates by sputtering method followed by annealing for 15 min at 500 °C to form Au nanostructures on the glass substrate. The AZO thin films were then deposited on Au catalyst at different RF power ranging from 50 - 200 W. The morphology of AZO was characterized using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy while X-ray Diffraction was used to examine crystallinity of AZO thin films. From this work, the AZO nanorods was found grow at 200 W RF power.

Silver nanorod structures for metal enhanced fluorescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Badshah, Mohsin Ali; Lu, Xun; Ju, Jonghyun; Kim, Seok-min

2016-09-01

Fluorescence based detection is a commonly used methodology in biotechnology and medical diagnostics. Metalenhanced fluorescence (MEF) becomes a promising strategy to improve the sensitivity of fluorescence detection, where fluorophores coupling with surface plasmon on metallic structures results fluorescence enhancement. To apply the MEF methodology in real medical diagnostics, especially for protein or DNA microarray detection, a large area (e.g., slide glass, 75 × 25 mm2) with uniform metallic nanostructures is required. In this study, we fabricated a large area MEF substrates using oblique angle deposition (OAD), which is a single step, inexpensive large area fabrication method of nanostructures. To optimize the morphological effect, Ag-nanorods with various lengths were fabricated on the conventional slide glass substrates. Streptavidin-Cy5 dissolved in buffer solution with different concentration (100ng/ml 100μg/ml) were applied to MEF substrates using a pipette, and the fluorescence signals were measured. The enhancement factor increased with the increase in length of Ag-nanorods and maximum enhancement factor 91x was obtained from Ag-nanorods 750nm length compare to bare glass due to higher surface Plasmon effect.

YBa2Cu3O x superconducting nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rieken, William; Bhargava, Atit; Horie, Rie; Akimitsu, Jun; Daimon, Hiroshi

2018-02-01

Herein, we report the synthesis of YBa2Cu3O x superconducting nanorods performed by solution chemistry. Initially, a mixture of fine-grained coprecipitated powder was obtained and subsequently converted to YBa2Cu3O x nanorods by heating to 1223 K in oxygen for 12 h. The nanorods are superconducting without the need for any further sintering or oxygenation, thereby providing an avenue for direct application to substrates at room temperature or direct use as formed nanorods. A critical superconducting transition temperature T c of about 92 K was achieved at a critical magnetic field of 10 Oe.

Fast response of sprayed vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) nanorods towards nitrogen dioxide (NO2) gas detection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mane, A. A.; Suryawanshi, M. P.; Kim, J. H.; Moholkar, A. V.

2017-05-01

The V2O5 nanorods have been successfully spray deposited at optimized substrate temperature of 400 °C onto the glass substrates using vanadium trichloride (VCl3) solution of different concentrations. The effect of solution concentration on the physicochemical and NO2 gas sensing properties of sprayed V2O5 nanorods is studied at different operating temperatures and gas concentrations. The XRD study reveals the formation of V2O5 having an orthorhombic symmetry. The FE-SEM micrographs show the nanorods-like morphology of V2O5. The AFM micrographs exhibit a well covered granular surface topography. For direct allowed transition, the band gap energy values are found to be decreased from 2.45 eV to 2.42 eV. The nanorods deposited with 30 mM solution concentration shows the maximum response of 24.2% for 100 ppm NO2 gas concentration at an operating temperature of 200 °C with response and recovery times of 13 s and 140 s, respectively. Finally, the chemisorption mechanism of NO2 gas on the V2O5 nanorods is discussed.

Synthesis of NiMn-LDH Nanosheet@Ni3S2 Nanorod Hybrid Structures for Supercapacitor Electrode Materials with Ultrahigh Specific Capacitance.

PubMed

Yu, Shuai; Zhang, Yingxi; Lou, Gaobo; Wu, Yatao; Zhu, Xinqiang; Chen, Hao; Shen, Zhehong; Fu, Shenyuan; Bao, Binfu; Wu, Limin

2018-03-27

One of the key challenges for pseudocapacitive electrode materials with highly effective capacitance output and future practical applications is how to rationally construct hierarchical and ordered hybrid nanoarchitecture through the simple process. Herein, we design and synthesize a novel NiMn-layered double hydroxide nanosheet@Ni 3 S 2 nanorod hybrid array supported on porous nickel foam via a one-pot hydrothermal method. Benefited from the ultrathin and rough nature, the well-defined porous structure of the hybrid array, as well as the synergetic effect between NiMn-layered double hydroxide nanosheets and Ni 3 S 2 nanorods, the as-fabricated hybrid array-based electrode exhibits an ultrahigh specific capacitance of 2703 F g -1 at 3 A g -1 . Moreover, the asymmetric supercapacitor with this hybrid array as a positive electrode and wood-derived activated carbon as a negative electrode demonstrates high energy density (57 Wh Kg -1 at 738 W Kg -1 ) and very good electrochemical cycling stability.

Growth of KOH etched AZO nanorods and investigation of its back scattering effect in thin film a-Si solar cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Jayasree Roy; Mitra, Suchismita; Ghosh, Hemanta; Das, Gourab; Bose, Sukanta; Mandal, Sourav; Mukhopadhyay, Sumita; Saha, Hiranmay; Barua, A. K.

2018-02-01

In order to increase the stabilized efficiencies of thin film silicon (TFS) solar cells it is necessary to use better light management techniques. Texturization by etching of sputtered aluminum doped zinc oxide (Al:ZnO or AZO) films has opened up a variety of promises to optimize light trapping schemes. RF sputtered AZO film has been etched by potassium hydroxide (KOH). A systematic study of etching conditions such as etchant concentration, etching time, temperature management etc. have been performed in search of improved electrical and optical performances of the films. The change in etching conditions has exhibited a noticeable effect on the structure of AZO films for which the light trapping effect differs. After optimizing the etching conditions, nanorods have been found on the substrate. Hence, nanorods have been developed only by chemical etching, rather than the conventional development method (hydrothermal method, sol-gel method, electrolysis method etc.). The optimized etched substrate has 82% transmittance, moderate haze in the visible range and sheet resistance ∼13 (Ω/□). The developed nanorods (optimized etched substrate) provide better light trapping within the cell as the optical path length has been increased by using the nanorods. This provides an effect on carrier collection as well as the efficiency in a-Si solar cells. Finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations have been performed to observe the light trapping by AZO nanorods formed on sputtered AZO films. For a p-i-n solar cell developed on AZO nanorods coated with sputtered AZO films, it has been found through simulations that, the incident light is back scattered into the absorbing layer, leading to an increase in photogenerated current and hence higher efficiency. It has been found that, the light that passes through the nanorods is not getting absorbed and maximum amount of light is back scattered towards the solar cell.

Improvement of antigen detection efficiency with the use of two-dimensional photonic crystal as a substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dovzhenko, Dmitriy; Terekhin, Vladimir; Vokhmincev, Kirill; Sukhanova, Alyona; Nabiev, Igor

2017-01-01

Multiplex detection of different antigens in human serum in order to reveal diseases at the early stage is of interest nowadays. There are a lot of biosensors, which use the fluorescent labels for specific detection of analytes. For instance, common method for detection of antigens in human serum samples is enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). One of the most effective ways to improve the sensitivity of this detection method is the use of a substrate that could enhance the fluorescent signal and make it easier to collect. Two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystals are very suitable structures for these purposes because of the ability to enhance the luminescent signal, control the light propagation and perform the analysis directly on its surface. In our study we have calculated optimal parameters for 2D-dimensional photonic crystal consisting of the array of silicon nano-rods, fabricated such photonic crystal on a silicon substrate using reactive ion etching and showed the possibility of its efficient application as a substrate for ELISA detection of human cancer antigens.

Arginine-assisted immobilization of silver nanoparticles on ZnO nanorods: an enhanced and reusable antibacterial substrate without human cell cytotoxicity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agnihotri, Shekhar; Bajaj, Geetika; Mukherji, Suparna; Mukherji, Soumyo

2015-04-01

Silver-based hybrid nanomaterials are gaining interest as potential alternatives for conventional antimicrobial agents. Herein, we present a simple, facile and eco-friendly approach for the deposition of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on ZnO nanorods, which act as a nanoreactor for in situ synthesis and as an immobilizing template in the presence of arginine. The presence of arginine enhanced the stability of ZnO deposition on the glass substrate by hindering the dissolution of zinc under alkaline conditions. Various Ag/ZnO hybrid nanorod (HNR) samples were screened to obtain a high amount of silver immobilization on the ZnO substrate. Ag/ZnO HNRs displayed potent antibacterial ability and could achieve 100% kill for both Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis strains under various test conditions. The hybrid material mediated its dual mode of antibacterial action through direct contact-killing and release of silver ions/nanoparticles and showed superior bactericidal performance compared to pure ZnO nanorods and colloidal AgNPs. No significant decline in antibacterial efficacy was observed even after the same substrate was repeatedly reused multiple times. Interestingly, the amount of Ag and Zn release was much below their maximal limit in drinking water, thus preventing potential health hazards. Immobilized AgNPs showed no cytotoxic effects on the human hepatocarcinoma cell line (HepG2). Moreover, treating cells with the antibacterial substrate for 24 hours did not lead to significant generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The good biocompatibility and bactericidal efficacy would thus make it feasible to utilize this immobilization strategy for preparing new-generation antibacterial coatings.Silver-based hybrid nanomaterials are gaining interest as potential alternatives for conventional antimicrobial agents. Herein, we present a simple, facile and eco-friendly approach for the deposition of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on ZnO nanorods, which act as a nanoreactor for in situ synthesis and as an immobilizing template in the presence of arginine. The presence of arginine enhanced the stability of ZnO deposition on the glass substrate by hindering the dissolution of zinc under alkaline conditions. Various Ag/ZnO hybrid nanorod (HNR) samples were screened to obtain a high amount of silver immobilization on the ZnO substrate. Ag/ZnO HNRs displayed potent antibacterial ability and could achieve 100% kill for both Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis strains under various test conditions. The hybrid material mediated its dual mode of antibacterial action through direct contact-killing and release of silver ions/nanoparticles and showed superior bactericidal performance compared to pure ZnO nanorods and colloidal AgNPs. No significant decline in antibacterial efficacy was observed even after the same substrate was repeatedly reused multiple times. Interestingly, the amount of Ag and Zn release was much below their maximal limit in drinking water, thus preventing potential health hazards. Immobilized AgNPs showed no cytotoxic effects on the human hepatocarcinoma cell line (HepG2). Moreover, treating cells with the antibacterial substrate for 24 hours did not lead to significant generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The good biocompatibility and bactericidal efficacy would thus make it feasible to utilize this immobilization strategy for preparing new-generation antibacterial coatings. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Synthesis of ZnO nanorods, instrumentation details, contact killing of Ag/ZnO. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr06913g

Template-Free Mesoporous Electrochromic Films on Flexible Substrates from Tungsten Oxide Nanorods

DOE PAGES

Heo, Sungyeon; Kim, Jongwook; Ong, Gary K.; ...

2017-08-08

Low-temperature processed mesoporous nanocrystal thin films are platforms for fabricating functional composite thin films on flexible substrates. Using a random arrangement of anisotropic nanocrystals can be a facile solution to generate pores without templates. However, the tendency for anisotropic particles to spontaneously assemble into a compact structure must be overcome. Here in this paper, we present a method to achieve random networking of nanorods during solution phase deposition by switching their ligand-stabilized colloidal nature into a charge-stabilized nature by a ligand-stripping chemistry. Ligand-stripped tungsten suboxide (WO 2.72) nanorods result in uniform mesoporous thin films owing to repulsive electrostatic forces preventingmore » nanorods from densely packing. Porosity and pore size distribution of thin films are controlled by changing the aspect ratio of the nanorods. This template-free mesoporous structure, achieved without annealing, provides a framework for introducing guest components, therefore enabling our fabrication of inorganic nanocomposite electrochromic films on flexible substrates. Following infilling of niobium polyoxometalate clusters into pores and successive chemical condensation, a WO x–NbO x composite film is produced that selectively controls visible and near-infrared light transmittance without any annealing required. The composite shows rapid switching kinetics and can be stably cycled between optical states over 2000 times. This simple strategy of using anisotropic nanocrystals gives insight into mesoporous thin film fabrication with broader applications for flexible devices.« less

Template-Free Mesoporous Electrochromic Films on Flexible Substrates from Tungsten Oxide Nanorods

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Heo, Sungyeon; Kim, Jongwook; Ong, Gary K.

Low-temperature processed mesoporous nanocrystal thin films are platforms for fabricating functional composite thin films on flexible substrates. Using a random arrangement of anisotropic nanocrystals can be a facile solution to generate pores without templates. However, the tendency for anisotropic particles to spontaneously assemble into a compact structure must be overcome. Here in this paper, we present a method to achieve random networking of nanorods during solution phase deposition by switching their ligand-stabilized colloidal nature into a charge-stabilized nature by a ligand-stripping chemistry. Ligand-stripped tungsten suboxide (WO 2.72) nanorods result in uniform mesoporous thin films owing to repulsive electrostatic forces preventingmore » nanorods from densely packing. Porosity and pore size distribution of thin films are controlled by changing the aspect ratio of the nanorods. This template-free mesoporous structure, achieved without annealing, provides a framework for introducing guest components, therefore enabling our fabrication of inorganic nanocomposite electrochromic films on flexible substrates. Following infilling of niobium polyoxometalate clusters into pores and successive chemical condensation, a WO x–NbO x composite film is produced that selectively controls visible and near-infrared light transmittance without any annealing required. The composite shows rapid switching kinetics and can be stably cycled between optical states over 2000 times. This simple strategy of using anisotropic nanocrystals gives insight into mesoporous thin film fabrication with broader applications for flexible devices.« less

Hydrogen effects on the electroluminescence of n-ZnO nanorod/p-GaN film heterojunction light-emitting diodes.

PubMed

Fang, Fang; Zhao, Dongxu; Li, Binghui; Zhang, Zhenzhong; Shen, Dezhen

2010-07-07

Through a facile low-temperature solution process, vertically n-type ZnO nanorod arrays were grown on a GaN film to form a n-ZnO nanorod/p-GaN film heterojunction. A study of the electroluminescence (EL) characteristics of the heterojunction in air and in air with 2000 ppm hydrogen revealed the sensitivity of such a device to the surrounding atmosphere. The additional hydrogen shallow donors increased the effective electron concentration in ZnO nanorods and the EL recombination zone changed from the ZnO nanorods to the GaN film, which can be identified visually from the color change.

Fabrication of ZnO nanorod using spray-pyrolysis and chemical bath deposition method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ramadhani, Muhammad F., E-mail: brian@tf.itb.ac.id; Pasaribu, Maruli A. H., E-mail: brian@tf.itb.ac.id; Yuliarto, Brian, E-mail: brian@tf.itb.ac.id

2014-02-24

ZnO thin films with nanorod structure were deposited using Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis method for seed growth, and Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) for nanorod growth. High purity Zn-hydrate and Urea are used to control Ph were dissolved in ethanol and aqua bidest in Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis process. Glass substrate was placed above the heater plate of reaction chamber, and subsequently sprayed with the range duration of 5, 10 and 20 minutes at the temperatures of 3500 C. As for the Chemical Bath Deposition, the glass substrate with ZnO seed on the surface was immerse to Zn-hydrate, HMTA (Hexa Methylene Tetra Amine)more » and deionized water solution for duration of 3, 5 and 7 hour and temperatures of 600 C, washed in distilled water, dried, and annealed at 3500 C for an hour. The characterization of samples was carried out to reveal the surface morphology using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). From the data, the combination of 5 minutes of Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis process and 3 hour of CBD has showed the best structure of nanorod. Meanwhile the longer Spraying process and CBD yield the bigger nanorod structure that have been made, and it makes the films more dense which make the nanorod collide each other and as a result produce unsymetric nanorod structure.« less

Two-stage epitaxial growth of vertically-aligned SnO 2 nano-rods on(001) ceria

DOE PAGES

Solovyov, Vyacheslav F.; Wu, Li-jun; Rupich, Martin W.; ...

2014-09-20

Growth of high-aspect ratio oriented tin oxide, SnO 2, nano-rods is complicated by a limited choice of matching substrates. We show that a (001) cerium oxide, CeO 2, surface uniquely enables epitaxial growth of tin-oxide nano-rods via a two-stage process. First, (100) oriented nano-wires coat the ceria surface by lateral growth, forming a uniaxially-textured SnO 2 deposit. Second, vertical SnO 2nano-rods nucleate on the deposit by homoepitaxy. We demonstrate growth of vertically oriented 1-2 μm long nano-rods with an average diameter of ≈20 nm.

Tunable photovoltaic performance of preferentially oriented rutile TiO₂ nanorod photoanodes based dye sensitized solar cells with quasi-state electrolyte.

PubMed

T C, Sabari Girisun; C, Jeganathan; N, Pavithra; Anandan, Sambandam

2017-12-20

Photoanodes made of highly oriented TiO2 nanorod arrays with different aspect ratios were synthesized via one-step hydrothermal technique. Preferentially oriented single crystalline rutile TiO2 was confirmed by the single peak in XRD pattern (2θ=63o, (0 0 2)). FESEM image evidence the growth of an array of nanorods having different geometry with respect to reaction time and solution refreshment rate. The length, diameter and aspect ratio of the nanorods increased with reaction time as 4 hours (1.98 μm, 121 nm, 15.32), 8 hours (4 μm, 185 nm, 22.70), 12 hours (5.6 μm, 242 nm, 27.24) and 16 hours (8 μm, 254 nm, 38.02) respectively. Unlike conventional Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) with a liquid electrolyte, DSSC were fabricated here using 1D rutile TiO2 nanorods based photoanodes, N719 dye and quasi-state electrolyte. The charge transport properties were investigated from current-voltage curves and fitted using one-diode model. Interestingly photovoltaic performance of DSSCs increased exponentially with the length of the nanorod and is attributed to the higher surface to volume ratio, more dye anchoring, and channelized electron transport. Higher photovoltaic performance (Jsc=5.99 mA/cm2, Voc=750 mV, η=3.08%) was observed with photoanodes (16 hours) made of densely packed longest TiO2 nanorods (8 µm, 254 nm). © 2017 IOP Publishing Ltd.

Electron mobility of self-assembled and dislocation free InN nanorods grown on GaN nano wall network template

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tangi, Malleswararao; De, Arpan; Ghatak, Jay

2016-05-28

A kinetically controlled two-step growth process for the formation of an array of dislocation free high mobility InN nanorods (NRs) on GaN nanowall network (NWN) by Molecular Beam Epitaxy is demonstrated here. The epitaxial GaN NWN is formed on c-sapphire under nitrogen rich conditions, and then changing the source from Ga to In at appropriate substrate temperature yields the nucleation of a self assembled spontaneous m-plane side faceted-InN NR. By HRTEM, the NRs are shown to be dislocation-free and have a low band gap value of 0.65 eV. Hall measurements are carried out on a single InN NR along with J-Vmore » measurements that yield mobility values as high as ≈4453 cm{sup 2}/V s and the carrier concentration of ≈1.1 × 10{sup 17} cm{sup −3}, which are unprecedented in the literature for comparable InN NR diameters.« less

Fast light-induced reversible wettability of a zinc oxide nanorod array coated with a thin gold layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Yuefan; Du, Hejun; Kong, Junhua; Tran, Van-Thai; Koh, Jia Kai; Zhao, Chenyang; He, Chaobin

2017-11-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) has gained much attention recently due to its excellent physical and chemical properties, and has been extensively studied in energy harvesting applications such as photovoltaic and piezoelectric devices. In recent years, its reversible wettability has also attracted increasing interest. The wettability of ZnO nanostructures with various morphologies has been studied. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is still a lack of investigations on further modifications on ZnO to provide more benefits than pristine ZnO. Comprehensive studies on the reversible wettability are still needed. In this study, a ZnO nanorod array was prepared via a hydrothermal process and subsequently coated with thin gold layers with varied thickness. The morphologies and structures, optical properties and wettability were investigated. It is revealed that the ZnO-Au system possesses recoverable wettability upon switching between visible-ultraviolet light and a dark environment, which is verified by the contact angle change. The introduction of the thin gold layer to the ZnO nanorod array effectively increases the recovery rate of the wettability. The improvements are attributed to the hierarchical structures, which are formed by depositing thin gold layers onto the ZnO nanorod array, the visible light sensitivity due to the plasmonic effect of the deposited gold, as well as the fast charge-induced surface status change upon light illumination or dark storage. The improvement is beneficial to applications in environmental purification, energy harvesting, micro-lenses, and smart devices.

Tilted BaHfO3 nanorod artificial pinning centres in REBCO films on inclined substrate deposited-MgO coated conductor templates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stafford, B. H.; Sieger, M.; Ottolinger, R.; Meledin, A.; Strickland, N. M.; Wimbush, S. C.; Van Tendeloo, G.; Hühne, R.; Schultz, L.

2017-05-01

We grow BaHfO3 (BHO) nanorods in REBa2Cu3O7-x (REBCO, RE: Gd or Y) thin films on metal tapes coated with the inclined substrate deposited (ISD)-MgO template by both electron beam physical vapour deposition and pulsed laser deposition. In both cases the nanorods are inclined by an angle of 21°-29° with respect to the sample surface normal as a consequence of the tilted growth of the REBCO film resulting from the ISD-MgO layer. We present angular critical current density (J c) anisotropy as well as field- and temperature-dependant J c data of the BHO nanorod-containing GdBCO films demonstrating an increase in J c over a wide range of temperatures between 30 and 77 K and magnetic fields up to 8 T. In addition, we show that the angle of the peak in the J c anisotropy curve resulting from the nanorods is dependent both on temperature and magnetic field. The largest J c enhancement from the addition of the nanorods was found to occur at 30 K, 3 T, resulting in a J c of 3.0 MA cm-2.

Effect of TiO{sub 2} thickness on nanocomposited aligned ZnO nanorod/TiO{sub 2} for dye-sensitized solar cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Saurdi, I., E-mail: saurdy788@gmail.com; Ishak, A.; UiTM Sarawak Kampus Kota Samarahan Jalan Meranek, Sarawak

2016-07-06

The TiO{sub 2} films were deposited on glass substrate at different thicknesses with different deposition frequencies (1, 2, 3 and 4 times) using spin coating technique and their structural properties were investigated. Subsequently, the nanocomposited aligned ZnO nanorods and TiO{sub 2} were formed by deposited the TiO{sub 2} on top of aligned ZnO Nanorod on ITO-coated glass at different thicknesses using the same method of TiO{sub 2} deposited on glass substrate. The nanocomposited aligned ZnO nanorod/TiO{sub 2} were coated with different thicknesses of 900µm, 1815µm, 2710µm, 3620µm and ZnO without TiO{sub 2}. The dye-sensitized solar cells were fabricated from themore » nanocomposited aligned ZnO nanorod/TiO{sub 2} with thickness of 900µm, 1815µm, 2710µm and 3620µm and ZnO without TiO{sub 2} and their photovoltaic properties of the DSSCs were investigated. From the solar simulator measurement the solar energy conversion efficiency (η) of 2.543% under AM 1.5 was obtained for the ZnO nanorod/TiO{sub 2} photoanode-2710µm Dye-Sensitized solar cell.« less

Vertically aligned TiO2 nanorods-woven carbon fiber for reinforcement of both mechanical and anti-wear properties in resin composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fei, Jie; Zhang, Chao; Luo, Dan; Cui, Yali; Li, Hejun; Lu, Zhaoqing; Huang, Jianfeng

2018-03-01

A series of TiO2 nanorods were successfully grown on woven carbon fiber by hydrothermal method to reinforce the resin composite. The TiO2 nanorods improved the mechanical interlocking among woven carbon fibers and resin matrix, resulting in better fibers/resin interfacial bonding. Compared with desized-woven carbon fiber, the uniform TiO2 nanorods array resulted in an improvement of 84.3% and 73.9% in the tensile and flexural strength of the composite. However, the disorderly TiO2 nanorods on woven carbon fiber leaded to an insignificant promotion of the mechanical strength. The enhanced performance of well-proportioned TiO2 nanorods-woven carbon fiber was also reflected in the nearly 56% decrease of wear rate, comparing to traditional woven carbon fiber reinforced composite.

Directed self-assembly of nanorod networks: bringing the top down to the bottom up.

PubMed

Einsle, Joshua F; Scheunert, Gunther; Murphy, Antony; McPhillips, John; Zayats, Anatoly V; Pollard, Robert; Bowman, Robert M

2012-12-21

Self-assembled electrodeposited nanorod materials have been shown to offer an exciting landscape for a wide array of research ranging from nanophotonics through to biosensing and magnetics. However, until now, the scope for site-specific preparation of the nanorods on wafers has been limited to local area definition. Further there is little or no lateral control of nanorod height. In this work we present a scalable method for controlling the growth of the nanorods in the vertical direction as well as their lateral position. A focused ion beam pre-patterns the Au cathode layer prior to the creation of the anodized aluminium oxide (AAO) template on top. When the pre-patterning is of the same dimension as the pore spacing of the AAO template, lines of single nanorods are successfully grown. Further, for sub-200 nm wide features, a relationship between the nanorod height and distance from the non-patterned cathode can be seen to follow a quadratic growth rate obeying Faraday's law of electrodeposition. This facilitates lateral control of nanorod height combined with localized growth of the nanorods.

Lattice Transparency of Graphene.

PubMed

Chae, Sieun; Jang, Seunghun; Choi, Won Jin; Kim, Youn Sang; Chang, Hyunju; Lee, Tae Il; Lee, Jeong-O

2017-03-08

Here, we demonstrated the transparency of graphene to the atomic arrangement of a substrate surface, i.e., the "lattice transparency" of graphene, by using hydrothermally grown ZnO nanorods as a model system. The growth behaviors of ZnO nanocrystals on graphene-coated and uncoated substrates with various crystal structures were investigated. The atomic arrangements of the nucleating ZnO nanocrystals exhibited a close match with those of the respective substrates despite the substrates being bound to the other side of the graphene. By using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory, we confirmed the energetic favorability of the nucleating phase following the atomic arrangement of the substrate even with the graphene layer present in between. In addition to transmitting information about the atomic lattice of the substrate, graphene also protected its surface. This dual role enabled the hydrothermal growth of ZnO nanorods on a Cu substrate, which otherwise dissolved in the reaction conditions when graphene was absent.

Vertical growth of ZnO nanorods on ZnO seeded FTO substrate for dye sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marimuthu, T.; Anandhan, N.

2018-04-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) were electrochemically grown on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) and ZnO seeded FTO substrates. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, Raman spectra and photoluminescence (PL) spectra reveal that the hexagonal wurtzite structured ZnO grown on a seeded FTO substrate has a high crystallinity, crystal quality and less atomic defects. Felid emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) images display a high growth density of NRs grown on seeded FTO substrate compared to NRs grown on FTO substrate. The efficiency of the DSSCs based on NRs grown on FTO and seeded FTO substrates is 0.85 and 1.52 %, respectively. UV-Vis absorption spectra and electrochemical impedance spectra depict that the NRs grown on seeded FTO photoanode have higher dye absorption and charge recombination resistance than that of the NRs grown on FTO substrate.

Hierarchical composites of sulfonated graphene-supported vertically aligned polyaniline nanorods for high-performance supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Biao; Zhou, Xiao; Bao, Hua; Li, Xingwei; Wang, Gengchao

2012-10-01

Hierarchical composites of sulfonated graphene-supported vertically aligned polyaniline nanorods (sGNS/PANI) are successfully synthesized via interfacial polymerization of aniline monomers in the presence of sulfonated graphene nanosheets (sGNS). The FE-SEM images indicate that the morphologies of sGNS/PANI composites can be controlled by adjusting the concentration of aniline monomers. FTIR and Raman spectra reveal that aligned PANI nanorod arrays for sGNS/PANI exhibit higher degree of conjugation compared with pristine PANI nanorods. The hierarchical composite based on the two-electrode cell possesses higher specific capacitance (497 F g-1 at 0.2 A g-1), better rate capability and cycling stability (5.7% capacitance loss after 2000 cycles) than those of pristine PANI nanorods.

Hierarchical Branched Vanadium Oxide Nanorod@Si Nanowire Architecture for High Performance Supercapacitors.

PubMed

Li, Zhaodong; Wang, Fei; Wang, Xudong

2017-01-01

Vanadium oxide (VO x ) nanorods are uniformly synthesized on dense Si nanowire arrays. This 3D hierarchical nanoarchitecture offers a novel high-performance supercapacitor electrode design with significantly improved specific capacitance and high-rate capability. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Enhanced photobactericidal activity of ZnO nanorods modified by meso-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin under visible LED lamp irradiation.

PubMed

Rahimi, Rahmatollah; Shokraiyan, Javad; Rabbani, Mahboubeh; Fayyaz, Fatemeh

2015-01-01

In this study, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods have been synthesized using a simple template-free precipitation technique and deposited on glass substrate. The meso-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS) has been synthesized and then immobilized on the surface of ZnO nanorods to prepare an organic/inorganic composite. The samples were characterized by various techniques such as X-ray diffraction, diffuse reflectance spectra, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the photobactericidal activity of TPPS/ZnO composite, TPPS and ZnO nanorods was tested against the pathogenic bacterium of Escherichia coli under visible LED lamp irradiation. The results indicate that the photobactericidal activity of TPPS-loaded ZnO nanorods was better than TPPS or ZnO nanorods, separately.

Two-stage epitaxial growth of vertically-aligned SnO2 nano-rods on (001) ceria

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Solovyov, VF; Wu, LJ; Rupich, MW

2014-12-15

Growth of high-aspect ratio oriented tin oxide, SnO2, nano-rods is complicated by a limited choice of matching substrates. We show that a (001) cerium oxide, CeO2, surface uniquely enables epitaxial growth of tin-oxide nano-rods via a two-stage process. First, (100) oriented nano-wires coat the ceria surface by lateral growth, forming a uniaxially-textured SnO2 deposit. Second, vertical SnO2 nano-rods nucleate on the deposit by homoepitaxy. We demonstrate growth of vertically oriented 1-2 mu m long nano-rods with an average diameter of approximate to 20 nm. 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

3D ZnO/Ag Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering on Disposable and Flexible Cardboard Platforms

PubMed Central

Pimentel, Ana; Araújo, Andreia; Águas, Hugo; Martins, Rodrigo; Fortunato, Elvira

2017-01-01

In the present study, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) with a hexagonal structure have been synthesized via a hydrothermal method assisted by microwave radiation, using specialized cardboard materials as substrates. Cardboard-type substrates are cost-efficient and robust paper-based platforms that can be integrated into several opto-electronic applications for medical diagnostics, analysis and/or quality control devices. This class of substrates also enables highly-sensitive Raman molecular detection, amiable to several different operational environments and target surfaces. The structural characterization of the ZnO NR arrays has been carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical measurements. The effects of the synthesis time (5–30 min) and temperature (70–130 °C) of the ZnO NR arrays decorated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been investigated in view of their application for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) molecular detection. The size and density of the ZnO NRs, as well as those of the AgNPs, are shown to play a central role in the final SERS response. A Raman enhancement factor of 7 × 105 was obtained using rhodamine 6 G (R6G) as the test analyte; a ZnO NR array was produced for only 5 min at 70 °C. This condition presents higher ZnO NR and AgNP densities, thereby increasing the total number of plasmonic “hot-spots”, their volume coverage and the number of analyte molecules that are subject to enhanced sensing.

Rheotaxis of elongated platinum-gold nanoswimmers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brosseau, Quentin; Wu, Yang; Ristroph, Leif; Zhang, Jun; Ward, Michael; Shelley, Michael

2017-11-01

Directed motion of self-propelled colloids has attracted much attention as a possible means to transport microscopic cargo to desired locations. However, active colloids, such as our gold-platinum (Au-Pt) bi-metallic motors ( 2 micrometers) that are powered by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), are subjected to Brownian motion and move diffusively. These swimmers can be directed via interactions with structured substrates, e.g. within an array of asymmetric pillars. Our current study focuses on realizing the directed motion in an imposed open flow, of these active nanorods. This dynamic response, often referred to as ``rheotaxis'', is found in many marine organisms. The effect of flow geometry and flow characteristics will be discussed in more details.

Optimized emission in nanorod arrays through quasi-aperiodic inverse design.

PubMed

Anderson, P Duke; Povinelli, Michelle L

2015-06-01

We investigate a new class of quasi-aperiodic nanorod structures for the enhancement of incoherent light emission. We identify one optimized structure using an inverse design algorithm and the finite-difference time-domain method. We carry out emission calculations on both the optimized structure as well as a simple periodic array. The optimized structure achieves nearly perfect light extraction while maintaining a high spontaneous emission rate. Overall, the optimized structure can achieve a 20%-42% increase in external quantum efficiency relative to a simple periodic design, depending on material quality.

Transient Negative Optical Nonlinearity of Indium Oxide Nanorod Arrays in the Full-Visible Range

DOE PAGES

Guo, Peijun; Chang, Robert P. H.; Schaller, Richard D.

2017-06-09

Dynamic control of the optical response of materials at visible wavelengths is key to future metamaterials and photonic integrated circuits. Here we demonstrate large amplitude, negative optical nonlinearity (Δ n from -0.05 to -0.09) of indium oxide nanorod arrays in the full-visible range. We experimentally quantify and theoretically calculate the optical nonlinearity, which arises from the modifications of interband optical transitions. Furthermore, the approach towards negative optical nonlinearity can be generalized to other transparent semiconductors and opens door to reconfigurable, sub-wavelength optical components.

Highly Transparent and UV-Resistant Superhydrophobic SiO2-Coated ZnO Nanorod Arrays

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Highly transparent and UV-resistant superhydrophobic arrays of SiO2-coated ZnO nanorods are prepared in a sequence of low-temperature (<150 °C) steps on both glass and thin sheets of PET (2 × 2 in.2), and the superhydrophobic nanocomposite is shown to have minimal impact on solar cell device performance under AM1.5G illumination. Flexible plastics can serve as front cell and backing materials in the manufacture of flexible displays and solar cells. PMID:24495100

Structural and Optical Properties of Core-Shell TiO2/CdS Prepared by Chemical Bath Deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-Jawad, Selma M. H.

2017-10-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanorod arrays (NRAs) sensitized with cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanoparticles (NPs) were deposited by chemical bath deposition (CBD). TiO2 NRAs were also obtained by using the same method on glass substrates coated with fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO). The structure of the FTO/TiO2/CdS core-shell was characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and photoelectrocatalysis of FTO/TiO2 and FTO/TiO2/CdS. The FTO/TiO2 conformed to anatase and rutile phase structures for different pH values and also with annealing. XRD patterns of the FTO/TiO2/CdS sample exhibited two peaks corresponding to hexagonal (100) and (101) for CdS. Scanning electron micrographs showed nanorod structures for the TiO2 thin films deposited at a pH value equal 0.7. Optical results showed the CdS deposited on nanorod TiO2 exhibited increased absorption ability in the visible light, indicating an increased photocatalytic activity for TiO2/CdS core-shell nanorods in the visible light. When illuminated with a UV-Vis light source, the TiO2/CdS core-shell films displayed high responses. A composite exists between the TiO2 nanostructure and CdS NPs because the film absorbs the incident light located in both the visible and UV-Vis regions. A higher response to UV-Vis light was attained with the use of TiO2 NRAs/CdS NPs films prepared by CBD. This approach offers a technique for fabricating photoelectrodes.

Facile fabrication and configuration design of Co3O4 porous acicular nanorod arrays on Ni foam for supercapacitors.

PubMed

Jiang, Tongtong; Yang, Siyu; Bai, Zhiman; Dai, Peng; Yu, Xinxin; Wu, Mingzai; Hu, Haibo

2018-08-03

The configuration of electrode materials is of great significance to the performance of supercapacitors (SCs) because of its direct effects on specific surface area and electron transfer path. Given this, herein, a series of Co 3 O 4 hierarchical configurations composed of porous acicular nanorods are designedly synthesized on Ni foam with in-site self-organization method depending on the addition of NH 4 F. In the absence of NH 4 F, Co 3 O 4 nanorods self-assemble into porous urchin-like structure (PULS), while the introduction of NH 4 F can induce the vertical growth of Co 3 O 4 acicular nanorods, forming porous acicular nanorod arrays (PANRAs). By simply tuning the concentration of NH 4 F, the Co 3 O 4 PANRAs with different specific surface area can be obtained. As expected, Co 3 O 4 PANRAs electrode for SCs (using 1 mmol of NH 4 F) exhibits high specific capacitance (1486 F g -1 at 1 A g -1 ) and excellent cycling stability (98.8% retention after 5000 continuous charge-discharge cycles), which are better than those of Co 3 O 4 PULS electrode (658.2 F g -1 at 1 A g -1 , 90.4%). Corresponding solid-state symmetric SC achieves a high energy density of 48.63 Wh kg -1 at power density of 600 W kg -1 . Such superior performance is attributed to fast charge transfer kinetics, facile electron transport and ions diffusion rate resulting from porous array structure, indicating the importance of configuration design of electrode materials for high performance SCs.

T-Nb2O5 quantum dots prepared by electrodeposition for fast Li ion intercalation/deintercalation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Guangyu; Ye, Chen; Zhang, Li; Li, Changle; Sun, Kening

2017-05-01

T-Nb2O5 quantum dots were electrodeposited on Ti nanorod arrays to prepare Ti@T-Nb2O5 core-shell array electrodes. The particle size of T-Nb2O5 could be manipulated by adjusting the depositing current density, and quantum dots several nanometers in size could be obtained at a deposition current of 6 mA cm-2. Benefiting from the ultra-small particle size of T-Nb2O5 and the array structure, Ti@T-Nb2O5 nanorod arrays exhibited good rate capability and durability when used as self-supported Li ion battery anodes. The arrays possessed capacities of 350 and 70 mAh g-1 at rate currents of 0.06 and 30 A g-1, respectively. Furthermore, the electrodes maintained 500 cycles without obvious decay at a high rate current of 30 A g-1.

Mn-doping-induced photocatalytic activity enhancement of ZnO nanorods prepared on glass substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Putri, Nur Ajrina; Fauzia, Vivi; Iwan, S.; Roza, Liszulfah; Umar, Akrajas Ali; Budi, Setia

2018-05-01

Mn-doped ZnO nanorods were synthesized on glass substrates via a two-steps process of ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and hydrothermal methods with four different concentrations Mn-doping (0, 1, 3, and 7 mol%). Introduction of Mn into ZnO is known could enhance the photocatalytic activity owing to the increase in the defect sites that effectively suppress the recombination of free electrons and holes. In this study, results show that Mn-doping has effectively modified the nucleations and crystal growth of ZnO, as evidenced by the increasing in the diameter, height, and the number of nanorods per unit area, besides slightly reduced the band gap and increased the oxygen vacancy concentrations in the ZnO lattice. This condition has successfully multiplied the photocatalytic performance of the ZnO nanorods in the degradation of methylene blue (MB) compared to the undoped-ZnO sample where in the typical process the MB can be degraded approximately 77% within only 35 min under a UV light irradiation.

Vertically Oriented Growth of GaN Nanorods on Si Using Graphene as an Atomically Thin Buffer Layer.

PubMed

Heilmann, Martin; Munshi, A Mazid; Sarau, George; Göbelt, Manuela; Tessarek, Christian; Fauske, Vidar T; van Helvoort, Antonius T J; Yang, Jianfeng; Latzel, Michael; Hoffmann, Björn; Conibeer, Gavin; Weman, Helge; Christiansen, Silke

2016-06-08

The monolithic integration of wurtzite GaN on Si via metal-organic vapor phase epitaxy is strongly hampered by lattice and thermal mismatch as well as meltback etching. This study presents single-layer graphene as an atomically thin buffer layer for c-axis-oriented growth of vertically aligned GaN nanorods mediated by nanometer-sized AlGaN nucleation islands. Nanostructures of similar morphology are demonstrated on graphene-covered Si(111) as well as Si(100). High crystal and optical quality of the nanorods are evidenced through scanning transmission electron microscopy, micro-Raman, and cathodoluminescence measurements supported by finite-difference time-domain simulations. Current-voltage characteristics revealed high vertical conduction of the as-grown GaN nanorods through the Si substrates. These findings are substantial to advance the integration of GaN-based devices on any substrates of choice that sustains the GaN growth temperatures, thereby permitting novel designs of GaN-based heterojunction device concepts.

Fabrication of flexible gold nanorods polymer metafilm via phase transfer method as SERS substrate for detecting food contaminants.

PubMed

Yang, Nan; You, Ting-Ting; Gao, Yu-Kun; Zhang, Chen-Meng; Yin, Penggang

2018-06-08

Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been widely used in detection of food safety due to the nondestructive examination property. Here, we reported a flexible SERS film based on polymer immobilized gold nanorods polymer metafilm. Polystyrene-polyisoprene-polystyrene (SIS), a transparent and flexible along with excellent elasticity polymer was chosen as main support of gold nanorods. A simple phase transfer progress was adopted to mix the gold nanorods with polymer which can further used in most water-insoluble polymers. The SERS film performed satisfactorily while tested in a series of standard Raman probes like crystal violet (CV) and malachite green (MG). Moreover, the excellent reproducibility and elastic properties make the film promising substrates in practical detection. Hence, the MG detection on fish surface and trace thiram detection on orange pericarp were inspected with the detection result of 1 × 10-10 M and 1 × 10-6 M which below the demand of National standard of China, exactly matching the realistic application requirements.

Influence of a NiO intermediate layer on the properties of ZnO grown on Si by chemical bath deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Djiokap, S. R. Tankio; Urgessa, Z. N.; Mbulanga, C. M.; Boumenou, C. Kameni; Venter, A.; Botha, J. R.

2018-04-01

In this paper, the growth of ZnO nanorods on bare and NiO-coated p-Si substrates is reported. A two-step chemical bath deposition process has been used to grow the nanorods. X-ray diffraction and scanning probe microscopy confirmed that the NiO films were polycrystalline, and that the average grain size correlated with the NiO layer thickness. The ZnO nanorod morphology, orientation and optical properties seemed to be unaffected by the intermediate NiO layer thickness. Current-voltage measurements confirmed the rectifying behavior of all the ZnO/NiO/Si heterostructures. The inclusion of a NiO layer between the substrate and the ZnO nanorods are shown to cause a reduction in both the forward and reverse bias currents. This is in qualitative agreement with the band diagram of these heterostructures, which suggests that the intermediate NiO layer should act as an electron blocking layer.

Controlled growth of ordered nanopore arrays in GaN.

PubMed

Wildeson, Isaac H; Ewoldt, David A; Colby, Robert; Stach, Eric A; Sands, Timothy D

2011-02-09

High-quality, ordered nanopores in semiconductors are attractive for numerous biological, electrical, and optical applications. Here, GaN nanorods with continuous pores running axially through their centers were grown by organometallic vapor phase epitaxy. The porous nanorods nucleate on an underlying (0001)-oriented GaN film through openings in a SiN(x) template that are milled by a focused ion beam, allowing direct placement of porous nanorods. Nanopores with diameters ranging from 20-155 nm were synthesized with crystalline sidewalls.

Non-enzymatic Fluorescent Biosensor for Glucose Sensing Based on ZnO Nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mai, Hong Hanh; Pham, Van Thanh; Nguyen, Viet Tuyen; Sai, Cong Doanh; Hoang, Chi Hieu; Nguyen, The Binh

2017-06-01

We have developed a non-enzymatic fluorescent biosensor for glucose sensing based on ZnO nanorods. ZnO nanorods of high density, high crystallinity, and good alignment were grown on low-cost industrial copper substrates at low temperature. To grow them directly on the substrates without using a seed layer, we utilized a simple one-step seedless hydrothermal method, which is based on galvanic cell structure. Herein, the glucose-treated ZnO nanorods together with the ultraviolet (UV) irradiation of the sample during the photoluminescent measurement played the role of a catalyst. They decomposed glucose into hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and gluconic acid, which is similar to the glucose oxidase enzyme (GOx) used in enzymatic sensors. Due to the formation of H2O2, the photoluminescence intensity of the UV emission peak of ZnO nanorods decreased as the glucose concentration increased from 1 mM to 100 mM. In comparison with glucose concentration of a normal human serum, which is in the range of 4.4-6.6 mM, the obtained results show potential of non-enzymatic fluorescent biosensors in medical applications.

When lithography meets self-assembly: a review of recent advances in the directed assembly of complex metal nanostructures on planar and textured surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hughes, Robert A.; Menumerov, Eredzhep; Neretina, Svetlana

2017-07-01

One of the foremost challenges in nanofabrication is the establishment of a processing science that integrates wafer-based materials, techniques, and devices with the extraordinary physicochemical properties accessible when materials are reduced to nanoscale dimensions. Such a merger would allow for exacting controls on nanostructure positioning, promote cooperative phenomenon between adjacent nanostructures and/or substrate materials, and allow for electrical contact to individual or groups of nanostructures. With neither self-assembly nor top-down lithographic processes being able to adequately meet this challenge, advancements have often relied on a hybrid strategy that utilizes lithographically-defined features to direct the assembly of nanostructures into organized patterns. While these so-called directed assembly techniques have proven viable, much of this effort has focused on the assembly of periodic arrays of spherical or near-spherical nanostructures comprised of a single element. Work directed toward the fabrication of more complex nanostructures, while still at a nascent stage, has nevertheless demonstrated the possibility of forming arrays of nanocubes, nanorods, nanoprisms, nanoshells, nanocages, nanoframes, core-shell structures, Janus structures, and various alloys on the substrate surface. In this topical review, we describe the progress made in the directed assembly of periodic arrays of these complex metal nanostructures on planar and textured substrates. The review is divided into three broad strategies reliant on: (i) the deterministic positioning of colloidal structures, (ii) the reorganization of deposited metal films at elevated temperatures, and (iii) liquid-phase chemistry practiced directly on the substrate surface. These strategies collectively utilize a broad range of techniques including capillary assembly, microcontact printing, chemical surface modulation, templated dewetting, nanoimprint lithography, and dip-pen nanolithography and employ a wide scope of chemical processes including redox reactions, alloying, dealloying, phase separation, galvanic replacement, preferential etching, template-mediated reactions, and facet-selective capping agents. Taken together, they highlight the diverse toolset available when fabricating organized surfaces of substrate-supported nanostructures.

Modulating macrophage response to biomaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaveri, Toral

Macrophages recruited to the site of biomaterial implantation are the primary mediators of the chronic foreign body response to implanted materials. Since foreign body response limits performance and functional life of numerous implanted biomaterials/medical devices, various approaches have been investigated to modulate macrophage interactions with biomaterial surfaces to mitigate this response. In this work we have explored two independent approaches to modulate the macrophage inflammatory response to biomaterials. The first approach targets surface integrins, cell surface receptors that mediate cell adhesion to biomaterials through adhesive proteins spontaneously adsorbed on biomaterial surfaces. The second approach involves surface modification of biomaterials using nanotopographic features since nanotopography has been reported to modulate cell adhesion and viability in a cell type-dependent manner. More specifically, Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanorod surface was investigated for its role in modulating macrophage adhesion and survival in vitro and foreign body response in vivo. For the first approach, we have investigated the role of integrin Mac-1 and RGD-binding integrins in the in-vivo osteolysis response and macrophage inflammatory processes of phagocytosis as well as inflammatory cytokine secretion in response to particulate biomaterials. We have also investigated the in vivo foreign body response (FBR) to subcutaneously implanted biomaterials by evaluating the thickness of fibrous capsule formed around the implants after 2 weeks of implantation. The role of Mac-1 integrin was isolated using a Mac-1 KO mouse and comparing it to a WT control. The role of RGD binding integrins in FBR was investigated by coating the implanted biomaterial with ELVAX(TM) polymer loaded with Echistatin which contains the RGD sequence. For the in-vivo osteolysis study and to study the in-vitro macrophage response to particulate biomaterials, we used the RGD peptide encapsulated in ELVAX(TM) and dissolved in macrophage media respectively. By studying the phagocytosis, inflammatory and FBR of macrophages from integrin knockout mice, as well as using various integrin blocking techniques we aim to identify the role of various integrins in macrophage inflammatory response. These integrins can serve as therapeutic targets for mitigating this inflammatory response and improve functional life of implanted biomaterials. Zinc oxide (ZnO) has been investigated in a number of biomedical applications and surfaces presenting well-controlled nanorod structures of ZnO have recently been developed. In order to investigate the influence of nanotopography on macrophage adhesive response, we evaluated macrophage adhesion and viability on ZnO nanorods, compared to a relatively flat sputtered ZnO controls and using glass substrates for reference. We found that although macrophages are capable of initially adhering to and spreading on ZnO nanorod substrates, the number of adherent macrophages on ZnO nanorods was reduced compared to ZnO flat substrate and glass. While these data suggest nanotopography may modulate macrophage adhesion, reduced cell viability on both sputtered and nanorod ZnO substrate indicates appreciable toxicity associated with ZnO. In order to determine long-term physiological responses, ZnO nanorodcoated and sputtered ZnO-coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) discs were implanted subcutaneously in mice for 14 days. Upon implantation, both ZnO-coated discs resulted in a discontinuous cellular fibrous capsule indicative of unresolved inflammation, in contrast to uncoated PET discs, which resulted in typical foreign body capsule formation. Hence although ZnO substrates presenting nanorod topography have previously been shown to modulate cellular adhesion in a topography-dependent fashion for specific cell types, this work demonstrates that for primary murine macrophages, cell adhesion and viability correlate to both nanotopography and toxicity of dissolved Zn, parameters which are likely interdependent. Considering the toxicity of ZnO nanorod surface towards macrophages, their role as an antibacterial surface was explored. Antibacterial coating approaches are being investigated to modify implants to reduce bacterial adhesion and viability in order to reduce implant-associated infection. To assess the efficacy of ZnO nanorod surfaces as an anti-bacterial coating, we evaluated bacterial adhesion and viability, compared to sputtered ZnO and glass substrates. Common implant-associated pathogens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermidis were investigated. ZnO nanorod surface and sputtered ZnO demonstrated a significant bactericidal effect, killing respectively 2.5x and 1.7x times the number of bacteria dead on glass. A similar bactericidal effect of ZnO substrates on S. epidermidis was also evident, with sputtered ZnO and ZnO nanorod substrates killing respectively 22x and 32x times bacteria dead on glass. These data support the further investigation of ZnO nanorod coatings for bacterial adhesion resistance and bactericidal properties.

3D Bi2S3/TiO2 cross-linked heterostructure: An efficient strategy to improve charge transport and separation for high photoelectrochemical performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Minmin; Jia, Junhong

2016-10-01

A novel 3D cross-linked heterostructure of TiO2 nanorods connecting with each other via ultrathin Bi2S3 nanosheets is constructed by a facile and effective strategy. The growth mechanism has been investigated and proposed based on the evolution of microstructure by changing the reaction parameters. Benefiting from the unique cross-linked heterostructure, the as-prepared Bi2S3 nanosheets modified TiO2 nanorods arrays could achieve a high energy conversion efficiency of 3.29% which is the highest value to date for Bi2S3-only sensitized solar cells as the reported highest value is 2.23% and other reported values are less than 1%. Furthermore, the photoelectrochemical studies clearly reveal that the novel cross-linked heterostructure exhibits much better activity than 0D nanoparticles decorated TiO2 nanorods under visible light irradiation, which may be primarily ascribed to the efficient electron transfer from 2D ultrathin Bi2S3 nanosheets to 1D TiO2 nanorod arrays. The promising results in this work confirm the advantages of cross-linked heterostructure and also undoubtedly offer an attractive synthesis strategy to fabricate other nanorod-based hierarchical architecture as well as nano-devices for solar energy conversion.

Electrochemically deposited gallium oxide nanostructures on silicon substrates

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

We report a synthesis of β-Ga2O3 nanostructures on Si substrate by electrochemical deposition using a mixture of Ga2O3, HCl, NH4OH, and H2O. The presence of Ga3+ ions contributed to the deposition of Ga2O3 nanostructures on the Si surface with the assistance of applied potentials. The morphologies of the grown structures strongly depended on the molarity of Ga2O3 and pH level of electrolyte. β-Ga2O3 nanodot-like structures were grown on Si substrate at a condition with low molarity of Ga2O3. However, Ga2O3 nanodot structures covered with nanorods on top of their surfaces were obtained at higher molarity, and the densities of nanorods seem to increase with the decrease of pH level. High concentration of Ga3+ and OH- ions may promote the reaction of each other to produce Ga2O3 nanorods in the electrolyte. Such similar nature of Ga2O3 nanorods was also obtained by using hydrothermal process. The grown structures seem to be interesting for application in electronic and optoelectronic devices as well as to be used as a seed structure for subsequent chemical synthesis of GaN by thermal transformation method. PMID:24629107

Superior selectivity and enhanced response characteristics of palladium sensitized vanadium pentoxide nanorods for detection of nitrogen dioxide gas.

PubMed

Mane, A A; Suryawanshi, M P; Kim, J H; Moholkar, A V

2017-06-01

Vanadium pentoxide (V 2 O 5 ) nanorods have been deposited onto the glass substrates by spraying 75ml of 30mM vanadium trichloride (VCl 3 ) solution at optimized substrate temperature of 400°C. The XRD study confirms the formation of orthorhombic crystal structure of V 2 O 5 nanorods. The FE-SEM micrograph shows the nanorods-like morphology of V 2 O 5 . The presence of palladium (Pd) in the Pd-sensitized V 2 O 5 nanorods is confirmed using EDAX study. The gas sensing measurements show that the Pd-sensitized V 2 O 5 sensing material is an outstanding candidate for nitrogen dioxide (NO 2 ) gas detection. Obtained results demonstrate that the Pd-sensitized V 2 O 5 nanorods show the superior selectivity for NO 2 gas in comparison with other gases such as NH 3 , H 2 S, CO, CO 2 and SO 2 at an operating temperature of 200°C. It shows the 75% response for 100ppm NO 2 gas concentration with response and recovery times of 22s and 126s, respectively. Finally, the gas sensing mechanism based on chemisorption process is proposed to illustrate how Pd nanoparticles affect the gas sensing characteristics (response and response-recovery times). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Role of nanorods insertion layer in ZnO-based electrochemical metallization memory cell

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mangasa Simanjuntak, Firman; Singh, Pragya; Chandrasekaran, Sridhar; Juanda Lumbantoruan, Franky; Yang, Chih-Chieh; Huang, Chu-Jie; Lin, Chun-Chieh; Tseng, Tseung-Yuen

2017-12-01

An engineering nanorod array in a ZnO-based electrochemical metallization device for nonvolatile memory applications was investigated. A hydrothermally synthesized nanorod layer was inserted into a Cu/ZnO/ITO device structure. Another device was fabricated without nanorods for comparison, and this device demonstrated a diode-like behavior with no switching behavior at a low current compliance (CC). The switching became clear only when the CC was increased to 75 mA. The insertion of a nanorods layer induced switching characteristics at a low operation current and improve the endurance and retention performances. The morphology of the nanorods may control the switching characteristics. A forming-free electrochemical metallization memory device having long switching cycles (>104 cycles) with a sufficient memory window (103 times) for data storage application, good switching stability and sufficient retention was successfully fabricated by adjusting the morphology and defect concentration of the inserted nanorod layer. The nanorod layer not only contributed to inducing resistive switching characteristics but also acted as both a switching layer and a cation diffusion control layer.

Significant enhancement of yellow-green light emission of ZnO nanorod arrays using Ag island films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Chin-An; Tsai, Dung-Sheng; Chen, Cheng-Ying; He-Hau, Jr.

2011-03-01

Surface plasmon (SP) mediated emission from ZnO nanorod arrays (NRAs)/Ag/Si structures has been investigated. The ratio of visible emission to UV emission can be increased by over 30 times via coupling with SP without deterioration of the crystal quality. The fact that the effect of SP crucially depends on the size of Ag island films provides the feasibility to significantly enhance the yellow-green emission of the ZnO nanostructures without sacrificing the crystallinity of ZnO.Surface plasmon (SP) mediated emission from ZnO nanorod arrays (NRAs)/Ag/Si structures has been investigated. The ratio of visible emission to UV emission can be increased by over 30 times via coupling with SP without deterioration of the crystal quality. The fact that the effect of SP crucially depends on the size of Ag island films provides the feasibility to significantly enhance the yellow-green emission of the ZnO nanostructures without sacrificing the crystallinity of ZnO. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c0nr00732c

Preparation of high-aspect-ratio ZnO nanorod arrays for the detection of several organic solvents at room working temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Yi-Mu; Zheng, Min-Ren

2013-11-01

Chemical sensors based on ZnO nanorod arrays were prepared using chemical bath deposition (CBD) to investigate the sensing performance for the detection of several organic solvents with low concentrations (0.1%, 0.5%, 1%, v/v) at room temperature. High quality and high aspect-ratio (value ˜28) ZnO nanorods have a diameter of about 74 nm and average length of 2.1 μm. Nyquist plots and Bode plots of the ZnO sensors under different organic solvents were obtained by electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The sensing properties such as charge-transfer resistance, double-layer capacitance and dielectric parameters were determined from the impedance spectra to explore the charge transport in low-concentration aqueous solutions. The decreasing trend of the charge-transfer resistance (Rct) as decreasing solvent concentrations is observed, and a straight line at low frequency regime indicates adsorption of water molecules on the oxide surface. The sensitivity of the ZnO sensors was calculated from the resistance variation in target solvents and in deionized water. We demonstrated the use of ZnO nanorod arrays as a chemical sensor capable of generating a different response upon exposure to methanol, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, acetone and water, wherein the methanol sensing exhibited highest sensitivity. In addition, the ZnO sensor also demonstrates good stability and reproducibility for detection of methanol and ethanol.

Enhancement of local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect by biocompatible metal clustering based on ZnO nanorods in Raman measurements.

PubMed

Lee, Sanghwa; Lee, Seung Ho; Paulson, Bjorn; Lee, Jae-Chul; Kim, Jun Ki

2018-06-20

The development of size-selective and non-destructive detection techniques for nanosized biomarkers has many reasons, including the study of living cells and diagnostic applications. We present an approach for Raman signal enhancement on biocompatible sensing chips based on surface enhancement Raman spectroscopy (SERS). A sensing chip was fabricated by forming a ZnO-based nanorod structure so that the Raman enhancement occurred at a gap of several tens to several hundred nanometers. The effect of coffee-ring formation was eliminated by introducing the porous ZnO nanorods for the bio-liquid sample. A peculiarity of this approach is that the gold sputtered on the ZnO nanorods initially grows at their heads forming clusters, as confirmed by secondary electron microscopy. This clustering was verified by finite element analysis to be the main factor for enhancement of local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). This clustering property and the ability to adjust the size of the nanorods enabled the signal acquisition points to be refined using confocal based Raman spectroscopy, which could be applied directly to the sensor chip based on the optimization process in this experiment. It was demonstrated by using common cancer cell lines that cell growth was high on these gold-clad ZnO nanorod-based surface-enhanced Raman substrates. The porosity of the sensing chip, the improved structure for signal enhancement, and the cell assay make these gold-coated ZnO nanorods substrates promising biosensing chips with excellent potential for detecting nanometric biomarkers secreted by cells. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nanostructuring on zinc phthalocyanine thin films for single-junction organic solar cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chaudhary, Dhirendra K.; Kumar, Lokendra, E-mail: lokendrakr@allduniv.ac.in

2016-05-23

Vertically aligned and random oriented crystalline molecular nanorods of organic semiconducting Zinc Phthalocyanine (ZnPc) have been grown on ITO coated glass substrate using solvent volatilization method. Interesting changes in surface morphology were observed under different solvent treatment. Vertically aligned nanorods of ZnPc thin film were observed in the films treated with acetone, where as the random oriented nanorods were observed in the films treated with chloroform. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) have been used for characterization of nanostructures. The optical properties of the nanorods have been investigated by UV-Vis. absorption spectroscopy.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Al-Hazeem, Nabeel Z., E-mail: nabeelnano333@gmail.com; Ministry of Education, the General Directorate for Educational Anbar; Ahmed, Naser M.

In this work, we fabricated nanorods by applying an electric potential on poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) and polyaniline (PANI) as a polymeric solution by electrospinning method. Testing was conducted on the samples by field emission scanning Electron microscope (FE-SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Photoluminescence. And the results showed the emergence of nanorods in the sample within glass substrate. Diameters of nanorods have ranged between (52.78-122.40)nm And a length of between (1.15 – 1.32)μm. The emergence of so the results are for the first time, never before was the fabrication of nanorods for polymers using the same method used in thismore » research.« less

ZnO nanorods for electronic and photonic device applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yi, Gyu-Chul; Yoo, Jinkyoung; Park, Won Il; Jung, Sug Woo; An, Sung Jin; Kim, H. J.; Kim, D. W.

2005-11-01

We report on catalyst-free growth of ZnO nanorods and their nano-scale electrical and optical device applications. Catalyst-free metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy (MOVPE) enables fabrication of size-controlled high purity ZnO single crystal nanorods. Various high quality nanorod heterostructures and quantum structures based on ZnO nanorods were also prepared using the MOVPE method and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and optical spectroscopy. From the photoluminescence spectra of ZnO/Zn 0.8Mg 0.2O nanorod multi-quantum-well structures, in particular, we observed a systematic blue-shift in their PL peak position due to quantum confinement effect of carriers in nanorod quantum structures. For ZnO/ZnMgO coaxial nanorod heterostructures, photoluminescence intensity was significantly increased presumably due to surface passivation and carrier confinement. In addition to the growth and characterizations of ZnO nanorods and their quantum structures, we fabricated nanoscale electronic devices based on ZnO nanorods. We report on fabrication and device characteristics of metal-oxidesemiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs), Schottky diodes, and metal-semiconductor field effect transistors (MESFETs) as examples of the nanodevices. In addition, electroluminescent devices were fabricated using vertically aligned ZnO nanorods grown p-type GaN substrates, exhibiting strong visible electroluminescence.

Colorless polyimide/organoclay nanocomposite substrates for flexible organic light-emitting devices.

PubMed

Kim, Jin-Hoe; Choi, Myeon-Chon; Kim, Hwajeong; Kim, Youngkyoo; Chang, Jin-Hae; Han, Mijeong; Kim, Il; Ha, Chang-Sik

2010-01-01

We report the preparation and application of indium tin oxide (ITO) coated fluorine-containing polyimide/organoclay nanocomposite substrate. Fluorine-containing polyimide/organoclay nanocomposite films were prepared through thermal imidization of poly(amic acid)/organoclay mixture films, whilst on which ITO thin films were coated on the films using a radio-frequency planar magnetron sputtering by varying the substrate temperature and the ITO thickness. Finally the ITO coated fluorine-containing polyimide/organoclay nanocomposite substrate was employed to make flexible organic light-emitting devices (OLED). Results showed that the lower sheet resistance was achieved when the substrate temperature was high and the ITO film was thick even though the optical transmittance was slightly lowered as the thickness increased. approximately 10 nm width ITO nanorods were found for all samples but the size of clusters with the nanorods was generally increased with the substrate temperature and the thickness. The flexible OLED made using the present substrate was quite stable even when the device was extremely bended.

Growth of well-aligned ZnO nanorods using auge catalyst by vapor phase transportation.

PubMed

Ha, S Y; Jung, M N; Park, S H; Ko, H J; Ko, H; Oh, D C; Yao, T; Chang, J H

2006-11-01

Well-aligned ZnO nanorods have been achieved using new alloy (AuGe) catalyst. Zn powder was used as a source material and it was transported in a horizontal tube furnace onto an AuGe deposited Si substrates. The structural and optical properties of ZnO nanorods were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, high resolution X-ray diffraction, and photoluminescence. ZnO nanorods grown at 650 degrees C on 53 nm thick AuGe layer show uniform shape with the length of 8 +/- 0.5 microm and the diameter of 150 +/- 5 nm. Also, the tilting angle of ZnO nanorods (+/- 5.5 degrees) is confirmed by HRXRD. High structural quality of the nanorods is conformed by the photoluminescence measurement. All samples show strong UV emission without considerable deep level emission. However, weak deep level emission appears at high (700 degrees C) temperature due to the increase of oxygen desertion.

Controllable growth of aluminum nanorods using physical vapor deposition

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

This letter proposes and experimentally demonstrates that oxygen, through action as a surfactant, enables the growth of aluminum nanorods using physical vapor deposition. Based on the mechanism through which oxygen acts, the authors show that the diameter of aluminum nanorods can be controlled from 50 to 500 nm by varying the amount of oxygen present, through modulating the vacuum level, and by varying the substrate temperature. When grown under medium vacuum, the nanorods are in the form of an aluminum metal - aluminum oxide core-shell. The thickness of the oxide shell is ~2 nm as grown and is stable when maintained in ambient for 30 days or annealed in air at 475 K for 1 day. As annealing temperature is increased, the nanorod morphology remains stable while the ratio of oxide shell to metallic core increases, resulting in a fully aluminum oxide nanorod at 1,475 K. PMID:25170334

Simple and scalable growth of AgCl nanorods by plasma-assisted strain relaxation on flexible polymer substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Park, Jae Yong; Lee, Illhwan; Ham, Juyoung; Gim, Seungo; Lee, Jong-Lam

2017-06-01

Implementing nanostructures on plastic film is indispensable for highly efficient flexible optoelectronic devices. However, due to the thermal and chemical fragility of plastic, nanostructuring approaches are limited to indirect transfer with low throughput. Here, we fabricate single-crystal AgCl nanorods by using a Cl2 plasma on Ag-coated polyimide. Cl radicals react with Ag to form AgCl nanorods. The AgCl is subjected to compressive strain at its interface with the Ag film because of the larger lattice constant of AgCl compared to Ag. To minimize strain energy, the AgCl nanorods grow in the [200] direction. The epitaxial relationship between AgCl (200) and Ag (111) induces a strain, which leads to a strain gradient at the periphery of AgCl nanorods. The gradient causes a strain-induced diffusion of Ag atoms to accelerate the nanorod growth. Nanorods grown for 45 s exhibit superior haze up to 100% and luminance of optical device increased by up to 33%.

Subwavelength dielectric nanorod chains for energy transfer in the visible range.

PubMed

Li, Dongdong; Zhang, Jingjing; Yan, Changchun; Xu, Zhengji; Zhang, Dao Hua

2017-10-15

We report a new type of energy transfer device, formed by a dielectric nanorod array embedded in a silver slab. Such dielectric chain structures allow surface plasmon wave guiding with large propagation length and highly suppressed crosstalk between adjacent transmission channels. The simulation results show that our proposed design can be used to enhance the energy transfer along the waveguide-like dielectric nanorod chains via coupled plasmons, where the energy spreading is effectively suppressed, and superior imaging properties in terms of resolution and energy transfer distance can be achieved.

Study of annealing effect on the growth of ZnO nanorods on ZnO seed layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sannakashappanavar, Basavaraj S.; Pattanashetti, Nandini A.; Byrareddy, C. R.; Yadav, Aniruddh Bahadur

2018-04-01

A zinc oxide (ZnO) seed layer was deposited on the SiO2/Si substrate by RF sputtering. To study the effect of annealing, the seed layers were classified into annealed and unannealed thin films. Annealing of the seed layers was carried at 450°C. Surface morphology of the seed layers were studied by Atomic force microscopy. ZnO nanorods were then grown on both the types of seed layer by hydrothermal method. The morphology and the structural properties of the nanorods were characterized by X-ray diffraction and Scanning electron microscopy. The effect of seed layer annealing on the growth and orientation of the ZnO nanorods were clearly examined on comparing with the nanorods grown on unannealed seed layer. The nanorods grown on annealed seed layers were found to be well aligned and oriented. Further, the I-V characteristic study was carried out on these aligned nanorods. The results supports positively for the future work to further enhance the properties of developed nanorods for their wide applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices.

Hydrodynamic fabrication of structurally gradient ZnO nanorods.

PubMed

Kim, Hyung Min; Youn, Jae Ryoun; Song, Young Seok

2016-02-26

We studied a new approach where structurally gradient nanostructures were fabricated by means of hydrodynamics. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods were synthesized in a drag-driven rotational flow in a controlled manner. The structural characteristics of nanorods such as orientation and diameter were determined by momentum and mass transfer at the substrate surface. The nucleation of ZnO was induced by shear stress which plays a key role in determining the orientation of ZnO nanorods. The nucleation and growth of such nanostructures were modeled theoretically and analyzed numerically to understand the underlying physics of the fabrication of nanostructures controlled by hydrodynamics. The findings demonstrated that the precise control of momentum and mass transfer enabled the formation of ZnO nanorods with a structural gradient in diameter and orientation.

Mesoporous titania-vertical nanorod films with interfacial engineering for high performance dye-sensitized solar cells.

PubMed

Ahmed, Irfan; Fakharuddin, Azhar; Wali, Qamar; Bin Zainun, Ayib Rosdi; Ismail, Jamil; Jose, Rajan

2015-03-13

Working electrode (WE) fabrication offers significant challenges in terms of achieving high-efficiency dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). We have combined the beneficial effects of vertical nanorods grown on conducting glass substrate for charge transport and mesoporous particles for dye loading and have achieved a high photoconversion efficiency of (η) > 11% with an internal quantum efficiency of ∼93% in electrode films of thickness ∼7 ± 0.5 μm. Controlling the interface between the vertical nanorods and the mesoporous film is a crucial step in attaining high η. We identify three parameters, viz., large surface area of nanoparticles, increased light scattering of the nanorod-nanoparticle layer, and superior charge transport of nanorods, that simultaneously contribute to the improved photovoltaic performance of the WE developed.

Large-scale fabrication of single crystalline tin nanowire arrays.

PubMed

Luo, Bin; Yang, Dachi; Liang, Minghui; Zhi, Linjie

2010-09-01

Large-scale single crystalline tin nanowire arrays with preferred lattice orientation along the [100] direction were fabricated in porous anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) membranes by the electrodeposition method using copper nanorod as a second electrode.

Attachment of Quantum Dots on Zinc Oxide Nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seay, Jared; Liang, Huan; Harikumar, Parameswar

2011-03-01

ZnO nanorods grown by hydrothermal technique are of great interest for potential applications in photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices. In this study we investigate the optimization of the optical absorption properties by a low temperature, chemical bath deposition technique. Our group fabricated nanorods on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate with precursor solution of zinc nitrate hexahydrate and hexamethylenetramine (1:1 molar ratio) at 95C for 9 hours. In order to optimize the light absorption characteristics of ZnO nanorods, CdSe/ZnS core-shell quantum dots (QDs) of various diameters were attached to the surface of ZnO nanostructures grown on ITO and gold-coated silicon substrates. Density of quantum dots was varied by controlling the number drops on the surface of the ZnO nanorods. For a 0.1 M concentration of QDs of 10 nm diameter, the PL intensity at 385 nm increased as the density of the quantum dots on ZnO nanostructures was increased. For quantum dots at 1 M concentration, the PL intensity at 385 nm increased at the beginning and then decreased at higher density. We will discuss the observed changes in PL intensity with QD concentration with ZnO-QD band structure and recombination-diffusion processes taking place at the interface.

Low-temperature fabrication of alkali metal-organic charge transfer complexes on cotton textile for optoelectronics and gas sensing.

PubMed

Ramanathan, Rajesh; Walia, Sumeet; Kandjani, Ahmad Esmaielzadeh; Balendran, Sivacarendran; Mohammadtaheri, Mahsa; Bhargava, Suresh Kumar; Kalantar-zadeh, Kourosh; Bansal, Vipul

2015-02-03

A generalized low-temperature approach for fabricating high aspect ratio nanorod arrays of alkali metal-TCNQ (7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane) charge transfer complexes at 140 °C is demonstrated. This facile approach overcomes the current limitation associated with fabrication of alkali metal-TCNQ complexes that are based on physical vapor deposition processes and typically require an excess of 800 °C. The compatibility of soft substrates with the proposed low-temperature route allows direct fabrication of NaTCNQ and LiTCNQ nanoarrays on individual cotton threads interwoven within the 3D matrix of textiles. The applicability of these textile-supported TCNQ-based organic charge transfer complexes toward optoelectronics and gas sensing applications is established.

Self-assembled vertically aligned Au nanorod arrays for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection of Cannabinol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milliken, Sarah; Fraser, Jeff; Poirier, Shawn; Hulse, John; Tay, Li-Lin

2018-05-01

Self-assembled multi-layered vertically aligned gold nanorod (AuNR) arrays have been fabricated by a simple preparation process that requires a balance between the particle concentration and the ionic strength of the solvent. An experimentally determined critical AuNR concentration of 2.0 nM and 50 mM NaCl produces well-ordered vertically aligned hexagonally close-packed AuNR arrays. We demonstrate surface treatment via UV Ozone cleaning of such samples to allow introduction of analyte molecules (benzenethiol and cannabinol) for effective surface enhanced Raman scattering detection. This is the first demonstration of the SERS analysis of cannabinol. This approach demonstrates a cost-effective, high-yield and simple fabrication route to SERS sensors with application in the screening for the cannabinoids.

Pre and post annealed low cost ZnO nanorods on seeded substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nordin, M. N.; Kamil, Wan Maryam Wan Ahmad

2017-05-01

We wish to report the photonic band gap (where light is confined) in low cost ZnO nanorods created by two-step chemical bath deposition (CBD) method where the glass substrates were pre-treated with two different seeding thicknesses, 100 nm (sample a) and 150 nm (sample b), of ZnO using radio frequency magnetron sputtering. Then the samples were annealed at 600°C for 1 hour in air before and after immersed into the chemical solution for CBD process. To observe the presence of photonic band gap on the sample, UV-Visible-NIR spectrophotometer was utilized and showed that sample a and sample b both achieved wide band gap between 240 nm and 380 nm, within the UV range for typical ZnO, however sample b provided a better light confinement that may be attributed by the difference in average nanorods size. Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) of the samples revealed better oriented nanorods uniformly scattered across the surface when substrates were coated with 100 nm of seeding layer whilst the 150 nm seeding sample showed a poor distribution of nanorods probably due to defects in the sample. Finally, the crystal structure of the ZnO crystallite is revealed by employing X-ray diffraction and both samples showed polycrystalline with hexagonal wurtzite structure that matched with JCPDS No. 36-1451. The 100 nm pre-seeded samples was recognized to have bigger average crystallite size, however sample b was suggested as having a higher crystalline quality. In conclusion, the sample b is recognized as a better candidate for future photonic applications due to its more apparent of photonic band gap and this may be contributed by more random distribution of the nanorods as observed in FESEM images as well as higher crystalline quality as suggested from XRD measurements.

Full coverage of perovskite layer onto ZnO nanorods via a modified sequential two-step deposition method for efficiency enhancement in perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruankham, Pipat; Wongratanaphisan, Duangmanee; Gardchareon, Atcharawon; Phadungdhitidhada, Surachet; Choopun, Supab; Sagawa, Takashi

2017-07-01

Full coverage of perovskite layer onto ZnO nanorod substrates with less pinholes is crucial for achieving high-efficiency perovskite solar cells. In this work, a two-step sequential deposition method is modified to achieve an appropriate property of perovskite (MAPbI3) film. Surface treatment of perovskite layer and its precursor have been systematically performed and their morphologies have been investigated. By pre-wetting of lead iodide (PbI2) and letting it dry before reacting with methylammonium iodide (MAI) provide better coverage of perovskite film onto ZnO nanorod substrate than one without any treatment. An additional MAI deposition followed with toluene drop-casting technique on the perovskite film is also found to increase the coverage and enhance the transformation of PbI2 to MAPbI3. These lead to longer charge carrier lifetime, resulting in an enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 1.21% to 3.05%. The modified method could been applied to a complex ZnO nanorods/TiO2 nanoparticles substrate. The enhancement in PCE to 3.41% is observed. These imply that our introduced method provides a simple way to obtain the full coverage and better transformation to MAPbI3 phase for enhancement in performances of perovskite solar cells.

Concerted growth and ordering of cobalt nanorod arrays as revealed by tandem in situ SAXS-XAS studies

DOE PAGES

Cormary, Benoit; Li, Tao; Liakakos, Nikos; ...

2016-06-14

The molecular and ensemble dynamics for the growth of hierarchical supercrystals of cobalt nanorods have been studied by in situ tandem X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy – Small Angle X-ray Scattering (XAS - SAXS). The super-crystals were obtained by reducing a Co(II) precursor under H 2 in the presence of a long chain amine and a long chain carboxylic acid. Complementary time-dependent ex situ TEM studies were also performed. The experimental data provide critical insights into the nanorod growth mechanism, and unequivocal evidence for a concerted growth-organization process. Nanorod formation involves cobalt nucleation, a fast atom by atom anisotropic growth and amore » slower oriented attach-ment process that continues well after cobalt reduction is complete. As a result, smectic-like ordering of the nanorods appears very early in the process, as soon as nanoparticle elongation appears, and nanorod growth takes place inside organized super-lattices, which can be regarded as mesocrystals.« less

Effect of growth time on the structure, morphology and optical properties of hydrothermally synthesized TiO2 nanorod thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohapatra, A. K.; Nayak, J.

2018-05-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanorod thin films were deposited on fluorine doped tin oxide coated glass substrates by a single step rapid hydrothermal process. The concentration of the precursor, the temperature of the reaction mixture were optimized in order to enhance the rate of deposition. Unlike the previously reported hydrothermal treatment for 24 - 48 h, the deposition of well aligned titanium dioxide nanorods was achieved in a short time such as 3 - 8 h. The crystal structure of the films were investigated by X-rays diffraction. The morphology of the nanorod films were studied with scanning electron microscopy. The optical properties were studied by photoluminescence spectroscopy.

Effects of Chromium Dopant on Ultraviolet Photoresponsivity of ZnO Nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mokhtari, S.; Safa, S.; Khayatian, A.; Azimirad, R.

2017-07-01

Structural and optical properties of bare ZnO nanorods, ZnO-encapsulated ZnO nanorods, and Cr-doped ZnO-encapsulated ZnO nanorods have been investigated. Encapsulated ZnO nanorods were grown using a simple two-stage method in which ZnO nanorods were first grown on a glass substrate directly from a hydrothermal bath, then encapsulated with a thin layer of Cr-doped ZnO by dip coating. Comparative study of x-ray diffraction patterns showed that Cr was successfully incorporated into the shell layer of ZnO nanorods. Moreover, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy confirmed presence of Cr in this sample. It was observed that the thickness of the shell layer around the core of the ZnO nanorods was at least about 20 nm. Transmission electron microscopy of bare ZnO nanorods revealed single-crystalline structure. Based on optical results, both the encapsulation process and addition of Cr dopant decreased the optical bandgap of the samples. Indeed, the optical bandgap values of Cr-doped ZnO-encapsulated ZnO nanorods, ZnO-encapsulated ZnO nanorods, and bare ZnO nanorods were 2.89 eV, 3.15 eV, and 3.34 eV, respectively. The ultraviolet (UV) parameters demonstrated that incorporation of Cr dopant into the shell layer of ZnO nanorods considerably facilitated formation and transportation of photogenerated carriers, optimizing their performance as a practical UV detector. As a result, the photocurrent of the Cr-doped ZnO-encapsulated ZnO nanorods was the highest (0.6 mA), compared with ZnO-encapsulated ZnO nanorods and bare ZnO nanorods (0.21 mA and 0.06 mA, respectively).

Gigahertz acoustic vibrations of elastically anisotropic Indium–tin-oxide nanorod arrays [Gigahertz modulation of the full visible spectrum via acoustic vibrations of elastically anisotropic Indium-tin-oxide nanorod arrays

DOE PAGES

Guo, Peijun; Schaller, Richard D.; Ocola, Leonidas E.; ...

2016-08-15

Active control of light is important for photonic integrated circuits, optical switches,. and telecommunications. Coupling light with acoustic vibrations in nanoscale optical resonators offers optical modulation capabilities with high bandwidth and Small footprint Instead of using noble metals, here we introduce indium tin-oxide nanorod arrays (ITO-NRAs) as the operating media;and demonstrate optical modulation covering the visible spectral range (from 360 to 700 nm), with similar to 20 GHz bandwidth through the excitation of coherent acoustic vibrations in ITO-NRAs. This broadband modulation results from the collective optical diffraction by the dielectric ITO-NRAs, and a high differential transmission modulation up to 10%more » is achieved through efficient near-infrared, on-plasmon-resonance pumping. By combining the frequency signatures Of the vibrational modes with finite-element simulations, we,further determine the anisotropic elastic constants for single-crystalline ITO, which are not known-for the bulk phase. Furthermore, this technique to determine elastic constants using Coherent acoustic vibrations of uniform nanostructures can be generalized to the study of other inorganic materials.« less

Gigahertz acoustic vibrations of elastically anisotropic Indium–tin-oxide nanorod arrays [Gigahertz modulation of the full visible spectrum via acoustic vibrations of elastically anisotropic Indium-tin-oxide nanorod arrays

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Guo, Peijun; Schaller, Richard D.; Ocola, Leonidas E.

Active control of light is important for photonic integrated circuits, optical switches,. and telecommunications. Coupling light with acoustic vibrations in nanoscale optical resonators offers optical modulation capabilities with high bandwidth and Small footprint Instead of using noble metals, here we introduce indium tin-oxide nanorod arrays (ITO-NRAs) as the operating media;and demonstrate optical modulation covering the visible spectral range (from 360 to 700 nm), with similar to 20 GHz bandwidth through the excitation of coherent acoustic vibrations in ITO-NRAs. This broadband modulation results from the collective optical diffraction by the dielectric ITO-NRAs, and a high differential transmission modulation up to 10%more » is achieved through efficient near-infrared, on-plasmon-resonance pumping. By combining the frequency signatures Of the vibrational modes with finite-element simulations, we,further determine the anisotropic elastic constants for single-crystalline ITO, which are not known-for the bulk phase. Furthermore, this technique to determine elastic constants using Coherent acoustic vibrations of uniform nanostructures can be generalized to the study of other inorganic materials.« less

Highly sensitive and simple SERS substrate based on photochemically generated carbon nanotubes-gold nanorods hybrids.

PubMed

Caires, A J; Vaz, R P; Fantini, C; Ladeira, L O

2015-10-01

We report a simple and easy formation of hybrids between multi-wall carbon nanotubes and gold nanorods by one-pot in situ photochemical synthesis. Measurements of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) through the effect "coffee ring" in visible and near infrared (NIR) show high sensitivity with detection of nanomolar concentrations of aromatic dyes. The formation of nanocomposites between carbon nanotubes and gold nanorods without chemical binders simplifies the preparation. Photochemical synthesis is an advance over the techniques previously published. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Novel approach for III-N on Si (111) templates fabrication by low-temperature PA MBE using porous Si layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zolotukhin, D.; Seredin, P.; Lenshin, A.; Goloshchapov, D.; Mizerov, A.

2017-11-01

We report on successful growth of GaN nanorods by low-temperature plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on a Si(111) substrate with and without preformed thin porous Si layer (por-Si). The deposited GaN initially forms islands which act as a seed for the wires. Porous structure of the por-Si layer helps to control nucleation islands sizes and achieve homogeneous distribution of the nanorods diameters. In addition 850 nm-thick crack-free GaN layer was formed on Si(111) substrate with preformed por-Si layer.

Three-Dimensional Hierarchical Structure ZnO@C@NiO on Carbon Cloth for Asymmetric Supercapacitor with Enhanced Cycle Stability.

PubMed

Ouyang, Yu; Xia, Xifeng; Ye, Haitao; Wang, Liang; Jiao, Xinyan; Lei, Wu; Hao, Qingli

2018-01-31

In this work, we synthesized the hierarchical ZnO@C@NiO core-shell nanorods arrays (CSNAs) grown on a carbon cloth (CC) conductive substrate by a three-step method involving hydrothermal and chemical bath methods. The morphology and chemical structure of the hybrid nanoarrays were characterized in detail. The combination and formation mechanism was proposed. The conducting carbon layer between ZnO and NiO layers can efficiently enhance the electric conductivity of the integrated electrodes, and also protect the corrosion of ZnO in an alkaline solution. Compared with ZnO@NiO nanorods arrays (NAs), the NiO in CC/ZnO@C@NiO electrodes, which possess a unique multilevel core-shell nanostructure exhibits a higher specific capacity (677 C/g at 1.43 A/g) and an enhanced cycling stability (capacity remain 71% after 5000 cycles), on account of the protection of carbon layer derived from glucose. Additionally, a flexible all-solid-state supercapacitor is readily constructed by coating the PVA/KOH gel electrolyte between the ZnO@C@NiO CSNAs and commercial graphene. The energy density of this all-solid-state device decreases from 35.7 to 16.0 Wh/kg as the power density increases from 380.9 to 2704.2 W/kg with an excellent cycling stability (87.5% of the initial capacitance after 10000 cycles). Thereby, the CC/ ZnO@C@NiO CSNAs of three-dimensional hierarchical structure is promising electrode materials for flexible all-solid-state supercapacitors.

Low-temperature growth of aligned ZnO nanorods: effect of annealing gases on the structural and optical properties.

PubMed

Umar, Ahmad; Hahn, Yoon-Bong; Al-Hajry, A; Abaker, M

2014-06-01

Aligned ZnO nanorods were grown on ZnO/Si substrate via simple aqueous solution process at low-temperature of - 65 degrees C by using zinc nitrate and hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA). The detailed morphological and structural properties measured by FESEM, XRD, EDS and TEM confirmed that the as-grown nanorods are vertically aligned, well-crystalline possessing wurtzite hexagonal phase and grown along the [0001] direction. The room-temperature photoluminescence spectrum of the grown nanorods exhibited a strong and broad green emission and small ultraviolet emission. The as-prepared ZnO nanorods were post-annealed in nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2) environments and further characterized in terms of their morphological, structural and optical properties. After annealing the nanorods exhibit well-crystallinity and wurtzite hexagonal phase. Moreover, by annealing the PL spectra show the enhancement in the UV emission and suppression in the green emission. The presented results demonstrate that simply by post-annealing process, the optical properties of ZnO nanostructures can be controlled.

Continuous-flux MOVPE growth of position-controlled N-face GaN nanorods and embedded InGaN quantum wells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bergbauer, W.; Strassburg, M.; Kölper, Ch; Linder, N.; Roder, C.; Lähnemann, J.; Trampert, A.; Fündling, S.; Li, S. F.; Wehmann, H.-H.; Waag, A.

2010-07-01

We demonstrate the fabrication of N-face GaN nanorods by metal organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE), using continuous-flux conditions. This is in contrast to other approaches reported so far, which have been based on growth modes far off the conventional growth regimes. For position control of nanorods an SiO2 masking layer with a dense hole pattern on a c-plane sapphire substrate was used. Nanorods with InGaN/GaN heterostructures have been grown catalyst-free. High growth rates up to 25 µm h - 1 were observed and a well-adjusted carrier gas mixture between hydrogen and nitrogen enabled homogeneous nanorod diameters down to 220 nm with aspect ratios of approximately 8:1. The structural quality and defect progression within nanorods were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Different emission energies for InGaN quantum wells (QWs) could be assigned to different side facets by room temperature cathodoluminescence (CL) measurements.

Continuous-flux MOVPE growth of position-controlled N-face GaN nanorods and embedded InGaN quantum wells.

PubMed

Bergbauer, W; Strassburg, M; Kölper, Ch; Linder, N; Roder, C; Lähnemann, J; Trampert, A; Fündling, S; Li, S F; Wehmann, H-H; Waag, A

2010-07-30

We demonstrate the fabrication of N-face GaN nanorods by metal organic vapour phase epitaxy (MOVPE), using continuous-flux conditions. This is in contrast to other approaches reported so far, which have been based on growth modes far off the conventional growth regimes. For position control of nanorods an SiO(2) masking layer with a dense hole pattern on a c-plane sapphire substrate was used. Nanorods with InGaN/GaN heterostructures have been grown catalyst-free. High growth rates up to 25 microm h(-1) were observed and a well-adjusted carrier gas mixture between hydrogen and nitrogen enabled homogeneous nanorod diameters down to 220 nm with aspect ratios of approximately 8:1. The structural quality and defect progression within nanorods were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Different emission energies for InGaN quantum wells (QWs) could be assigned to different side facets by room temperature cathodoluminescence (CL) measurements.

Electroluminescence from InGaN/GaN multi-quantum-wells nanorods light-emitting diodes positioned by non-uniform electric fields.

PubMed

Park, Hyunik; Kim, Byung-Jae; Kim, Jihyun

2012-11-05

We report that the nanorod light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with InGaN/GaN multi-quantum-wells (MQWs) emitted bright electroluminescence (EL) after they were positioned and aligned by non-uniform electric fields. Firstly, thin film LED structures with MQWs on sapphire substrate were coated with SiO(2) nanospheres, followed by inductively-coupled plasma etch to create nanorod-shapes with MQWs, which were transferred to the pre-patterned SiO(2)/Si wafer. This method allowed us to obtain nanorod LEDs with uniform length, diameter and qualities. Dielectrophoretic force created by non-uniform electric field was very effective at positioning the processed nanorods on the pre-patterned contacts. After aligned by non-uniform electric field, we observed bright EL from many nanorods, which had both cases (p-GaN/MQWs/n-GaN or n-GaN/MQWs/p-GaN). Therefore, bright ELs at different locations were observed under the various bias conditions.

A theory of growing crystalline nanorods - Mode I

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Feng; Huang, Hanchen

2018-08-01

Nanorods grow in two possible modes during physical vapor deposition (PVD). In mode I, monolayer surface steps dictate the diameter of nanorods. In mode II, multiple-layer surface steps dictate the diameter, which is the smallest possible under physical vapor deposition [5,10]. This paper reports closed-form theories of terrace lengths and nanorod diameter during the growth in mode I, as a function of deposition conditions. The accompanying lattice kinetic Monte Carlo simulations verify these theories. This study reveals that (1) quasi-steady growth exists for each set of nanorod growth conditions, and (2) the characteristic length scales, including terrace lengths and nanorod diameter at the quasi-steady state, depend on the deposition conditions - deposition rate F, substrate temperature T, and incidence angle θ - only as a function of l2D/tan θ, with l2 D = 2(v2 D/Fcosθ) 1/3 as a diffusion-limited length scale and v2D as the atomic diffusion jump rate over monolayer surface steps.

A potentiometric biosensor for the detection of notch 3 using functionalized ZnO nanorods.

PubMed

Ibupoto, Z H; Khun, K; Liu, X; Willander, M

2014-09-01

The notch signalling plays a vital and radical role for the activity of cellular proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. In this study, for the first time a particular biosensor is developed for the detection of notch 3. ZnO nanorods were fabricated on the gold coated glass substrate by hydrothermal method and afterwards were decorated with the gold nanoparticles by electrodepositing technique. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) has shown the perpendicular to the substrate growth pattern of ZnO nanorods. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies showed the c-axis oriented growth direction with wurtzite crystal structure of ZnO nanorods. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques have shown the presence of Zn, O and Au atoms in the prepared functional material. Furthermore, the anti-notch 3 was physically adsorbed on the gold nanoparticles functionalized ZnO nanorods. The developed potentiometric immunosensor has shown response to the wide range of notch 3 molecules. The detected range included 1.00 x 10(-5)-1.50 x 10(0 ) μg/mL with a sensitivity of 23.15 ± 0.31 mV/decade. The analytical parameters including reproducibility, stability, and selectivity were also investigated and the observed results indicate the acceptable performance of the notch 3 biosensor. Moreover, the proposed notch 3 biosensor exhibited a fast response time of 10 s.

Self-assembled vertically aligned Au nanorod arrays for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection of Cannabinol.

PubMed

Milliken, Sarah; Fraser, Jeff; Poirier, Shawn; Hulse, John; Tay, Li-Lin

2018-05-05

Self-assembled multi-layered vertically aligned gold nanorod (AuNR) arrays have been fabricated by a simple preparation process that requires a balance between the particle concentration and the ionic strength of the solvent. An experimentally determined critical AuNR concentration of 2.0nM and 50mM NaCl produces well-ordered vertically aligned hexagonally close-packed AuNR arrays. We demonstrate surface treatment via UV Ozone cleaning of such samples to allow introduction of analyte molecules (benzenethiol and cannabinol) for effective surface enhanced Raman scattering detection. This is the first demonstration of the SERS analysis of cannabinol. This approach demonstrates a cost-effective, high-yield and simple fabrication route to SERS sensors with application in the screening for the cannabinoids. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Pyrrole-regulated precipitation of titania nanorods on polymer fabrics for photocatalytic degradation of trace toluene in air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Yi-Jie; Wen, Wei; Xu, Yang; Wu, Jin-Ming

2018-03-01

When compared with nanoparticulate counterparts, TiO2 thin films with vertically aligned one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures exhibit enhanced photocatalytic activity because of the highly accessible surface area. The perpendicular of the 1D nanostructure reduces the charge migration path and hence the carrier recombination rate, which also contributes to the photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, TiO2 thin films on flexible substrates are more suitable to degrade pollutants in either water or air because of its easy recovery and free-bending shape. In this study, flexible polyethylene fabrics were firstly coated with a sol-gel nanoparticulate TiO2 seed layer. Quasi-aligned TiO2 nanorods were then precipitated homogeneously under an atmospheric pressure and a low temperature not exceeding 80 °C, using a peroxy-titanium complex precursor with the additive of pyrrole. It is found that the density of TiO2 nanorods increased with the increasing amount of pyrrole monomers. The resultant TiO2 film on polyethylene fabrics exhibited a much reduced band gap of ca. 2.86 eV, which can be attributed to the surface oxygen deficiencies. When utilized to assist photocatalytic degradation of trace toluene in air under the UV light illumination, the TiO2 film exhibited a gradually increased photocatalytic activity upon the increasing cycles for up to six, because of the gradual removal of trace organics on the TiO2 surface. The highest photocatalytic efficiency is recorded to be 5 times that of TiO2 nanotube arrays, which are regarded as an excellent photocatalyst for air cleaning.

Orientation-Controllable ZnO Nanorod Array Using Imprinting Method for Maximum Light Utilization in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells.

PubMed

Jeong, Huisu; Song, Hui; Lee, Ryeri; Pak, Yusin; Kumaresan, Yogeenth; Lee, Heon; Jung, Gun Young

2015-12-01

We present a holey titanium dioxide (TiO2) film combined with a periodically aligned ZnO nanorod layer (ZNL) for maximum light utilization in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSCs). Both the holey TiO2 film and the ZNL were simultaneously fabricated by imprint technique with a mold having vertically aligned ZnO nanorod (NR) array, which was transferred to the TiO2 film after imprinting. The orientation of the transferred ZNL such as laid, tilted, and standing ZnO NRs was dependent on the pitch and height of the ZnO NRs of the mold. The photoanode composed of the holey TiO2 film with the ZNL synergistically utilized the sunlight due to enhanced light scattering and absorption. The best power conversion efficiency of 8.5 % was achieved from the DSC with the standing ZNL, which represented a 33 % improvement compared to the reference cell with a planar TiO2.

Fabrication of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotube or Zinc Oxide Nanorod Arrays for Optical Diffraction Gratings.

PubMed

Kim, Jeong; Kim, Sun Il; Cho, Seong-Ho; Hwang, Sungwoo; Lee, Young Hee; Hur, Jaehyun

2015-11-01

We report on new fabrication methods for a transparent, hierarchical, and patterned electrode comprised of either carbon nanotubes or zinc oxide nanorods. Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes or zinc oxide nanorod arrays were fabricated by either chemical vapor deposition or hydrothermal growth, in combination with photolithography. A transparent conductive graphene layer or zinc oxide seed layer was employed as the transparent electrode. On the patterned surface defined using photoresist, the vertically grown carbon nanotubes or zinc oxides could produce a concentrated electric field under applied DC voltage. This periodic electric field was used to align liquid crystal molecules in localized areas within the optical cell, effectively modulating the refractive index. Depending on the material and morphology of these patterned electrodes, the diffraction efficiency presented different behavior. From this study, we established the relationship between the hierarchical structure of the different electrodes and their efficiency for modulating the refractive index. We believe that this study will pave a new path for future optoelectronic applications.

Hierarchical Si/ZnO trunk-branch nanostructure for photocurrent enhancement

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Hierarchical Si/ZnO trunk-branch nanostructures (NSs) have been synthesized by hot wire assisted chemical vapor deposition method for trunk Si nanowires (NWs) on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate and followed by the vapor transport condensation (VTC) method for zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods (NRs) which was laterally grown from each Si nanowires (NWs). A spin coating method has been used for zinc oxide (ZnO) seeding. This method is better compared with other group where they used sputtering method for the same process. The sputtering method only results in the growth of ZnO NRs on top of the Si trunk. Our method shows improvement by having the growth evenly distributed on the lateral sides and caps of the Si trunks, resulting in pine-leave-like NSs. Field emission scanning electron microscope image shows the hierarchical nanostructures resembling the shape of the leaves of pine trees. Single crystalline structure for the ZnO branch grown laterally from the crystalline Si trunk has been identified by using a lattice-resolved transmission electron microscope. A preliminary photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell testing has been setup to characterize the photocurrent of sole array of ZnO NR growth by both hydrothermal-grown (HTG) method and VTC method on ITO substrates. VTC-grown ZnO NRs showed greater photocurrent effect due to its better structural properties. The measured photocurrent was also compared with the array of hierarchical Si/ZnO trunk-branch NSs. The cell with the array of Si/ZnO trunk-branch NSs revealed four-fold magnitude enhancement in photocurrent density compared with the sole array of ZnO NRs obtain from VTC processes. PMID:25246872

Chemical synthesis of CdS onto TiO2 nanorods for quantum dot sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pawar, Sachin A.; Patil, Dipali S.; Lokhande, Abhishek C.; Gang, Myeng Gil; Shin, Jae Cheol; Patil, Pramod S.; Kim, Jin Hyeok

2016-08-01

A quantum dot sensitized solar cell (QDSSC) is fabricated using hydrothermally grown TiO2 nanorods and successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) deposited CdS. Surface morphology of the TiO2 films coated with different SILAR cycles of CdS is examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy which revealed aggregated CdS QDs coverage grow on increasing onto the TiO2 nanorods with respect to cycle number. Under AM 1.5G illumination, we found the TiO2/CdS QDSSC photoelectrode shows a power conversion efficiency of 1.75%, in an aqueous polysulfide electrolyte with short-circuit photocurrent density of 4.04 mA/cm2 which is higher than that of a bare TiO2 nanorods array.

Morphology-controllable of Sn doped ZnO nanorods prepared by spray pyrolysis for transparent electrode application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hameed, M. Shahul; Princice, J. Joseph; Babu, N. Ramesh; Zahirullah, S. Syed; Deshmukh, Sampat G.; Arunachalam, A.

2018-05-01

Transparent conductive Sn doped ZnO nanorods have been deposited at various doping level by spray pyrolysis technique on glass substrate. The structural, surface morphological and optical properties of these films have been investigated with the help of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscope (AFM) and UV-Vis spectrophotometer respectively. XRD patterns revealed a successful high quality growth of single crystal ZnO nanorods with hexagonal wurtzite structure having (002) preferred orientation. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the prepared films exposed the uniform distribution of Sn doped ZnO nanorod shaped grains. All these films were highly transparent in the visible region with average transmittance of 90%.

Compact hematite buffer layer as a promoter of nanorod photoanode performances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milan, R.; Cattarin, S.; Comisso, N.; Baratto, C.; Kaunisto, K.; Tkachenko, N. V.; Concina, I.

2016-10-01

The effect of a thin α-Fe2O3 compact buffer layer (BL) on the photoelectrochemical performances of a bare α-Fe2O3 nanorods photoanode is investigated. The BL is prepared through a simple spray deposition onto a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) conducting glass substrate before the growth of a α-Fe2O3 nanorods via a hydrothermal process. Insertion of the hematite BL between the FTO and the nanorods markedly enhances the generated photocurrent, by limiting undesired losses of photogenerated charges at the FTO||electrolyte interface. The proposed approach warrants a marked improvement of material performances, with no additional thermal treatment and no use/dispersion of rare or toxic species, in agreement with the principles of green chemistry.

GaN based nanorods for solid state lighting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Shunfeng; Waag, Andreas

2012-04-01

In recent years, GaN nanorods are emerging as a very promising novel route toward devices for nano-optoelectronics and nano-photonics. In particular, core-shell light emitting devices are thought to be a breakthrough development in solid state lighting, nanorod based LEDs have many potential advantages as compared to their 2 D thin film counterparts. In this paper, we review the recent developments of GaN nanorod growth, characterization, and related device applications based on GaN nanorods. The initial work on GaN nanorod growth focused on catalyst-assisted and catalyst-free statistical growth. The growth condition and growth mechanisms were extensively investigated and discussed. Doping of GaN nanorods, especially p-doping, was found to significantly influence the morphology of GaN nanorods. The large surface of 3 D GaN nanorods induces new optical and electrical properties, which normally can be neglected in layered structures. Recently, more controlled selective area growth of GaN nanorods was realized using patterned substrates both by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) and by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Advanced structures, for example, photonic crystals and DBRs are meanwhile integrated in GaN nanorod structures. Based on the work of growth and characterization of GaN nanorods, GaN nanoLEDs were reported by several groups with different growth and processing methods. Core/shell nanoLED structures were also demonstrated, which could be potentially useful for future high efficient LED structures. In this paper, we will discuss recent developments in GaN nanorod technology, focusing on the potential advantages, but also discussing problems and open questions, which may impose obstacles during the future development of a GaN nanorod based LED technology.

Field gradients can control the alignment of nanorods.

PubMed

Ooi, Chinchun; Yellen, Benjamin B

2008-08-19

This work is motivated by the unexpected experimental observation that field gradients can control the alignment of nonmagnetic nanorods immersed inside magnetic fluids. In the presence of local field gradients, nanorods were observed to align perpendicular to the external field at low field strengths, but parallel to the external field at high field strengths. The switching behavior results from the competition between a preference to align with the external field (orientational potential energy) and preference to move into regions of minimum magnetic field (positional potential energy). A theoretical model is developed to explain this experimental behavior by investigating the statistics of nanorod alignment as a function of both the external uniform magnetic field strength and the local magnetic field variation above a periodic array of micromagnets. Computational phase diagrams are developed which indicate that the relative population of nanorods in parallel and perpendicular states can be adjusted through several control parameters. However, an energy barrier to rotation was discovered to influence the rate kinetics and restrict the utility of this assembly technique to nanorods which are slightly shorter than the micromagnet length. Experimental results concerning the orientation of nanorods inside magnetic fluid are also presented and shown to be in strong agreement with the theoretical work.

Comparison of photovoltaic properties of TiO2 electrodes prepared with nanoparticles and nanorods.

PubMed

Nam, Sang-Hun; Ju, Dong-Woo; Boo, Jin-Hyo

2014-12-01

In this report, single crystalline rutile TiO2 nanoparticles and nanorods were synthesized via the hydrothermal method using titanium tetra-isopropoxide as a precursor then, these were coated on top of a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate by using a doctor blade and direct deposition, respectively. Consequently, TiO2 nanorods-based dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) exhibit a J(sc) of 3.37 mA/cm2, a V(oc) of 0.82 V and fill factor of 60.1% with an overall conversion efficiency of 1.66%. This result shows an increase of around 38% for current density and 35% for conversion efficiency. Also, with respect to the impedance data, TiO2 nanorods-based DSSCs had smaller semicircles than did the nanoparticles-based DSSCs. These results demonstrate that the nanorod structure can have fast electron transport and reduced charge recombination.

Au sensitized ZnO nanorods for enhanced liquefied petroleum gas sensing properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakate, U. T.; Bulakhe, R. N.; Lokhande, C. D.; Kale, S. N.

2016-05-01

The zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods have grown on glass substrate by spray pyrolysis deposition (SPD) method using zinc acetate solution. The phase formation, surface morphology and elemental composition of ZnO films have been investigated using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) techniques. The liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) sensing response was remarkably improved by sensitization of gold (Au) surface noble metal on ZnO nanorods film. Maximum LPG response of 21% was observed for 1040 ppm of LPG, for pure ZnO nanorods sample. After Au sensitization on ZnO nanorods film sample, the LPG response greatly improved up to 48% at operating temperature 623 K. The improved LPG response is attributed Au sensitization with spill-over mechanism. Proposed model for LPG sensing mechanism discussed.

Preparation and properties of ZnS superhydrophobic surface with hierarchical structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Lujun; Zheng, Maojun; He, Shuanghu; Ma, Li; Li, Mei; Shen, Wenzhong

2011-01-01

A novel ZnS hierarchical structure composed of nanorod arrays with branched nanosheets and nanowires grown on their upside walls, was synthesized over Au-coated silicon substrate via chemical vapor deposition technique. Contact angle and sliding angle of this hierarchical film with no surface modification were measured to be about 153.8° and 9.1° for 5 μl water droplets. Self-cleaning behavior and dynamic water-repelling performance were clearly demonstrated. In addition, electrowetting transition phenomenon from superhydrophobic to hydrophilic state happened when a critical bias ∼7.0 V was applied. Below this threshold voltage, the contact angle change is little. This work for the first time reports the creation of ZnS superhydrophobic surface and could enrich its research field as surface functional materials.

Enhanced field electron emission from aligned diamond-like carbon nanorod arrays prepared by reactive ion beam etching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Yong; Qin, Shi-Qiao; Zhang, Xue-Ao; Chang, Sheng-Li; Li, Hui-Hui; Yuan, Ji-Ren

2016-05-01

Homogeneous diamond-like carbon (DLC) films were deposited on Si supports by a pulsed filtered cathodic vacuum arc deposition system. Using DLC films masked by Ni nanoparticles as precursors, highly aligned diamond-like carbon nanorod (DLCNR) arrays were fabricated by the etching of inductively coupled radio frequency oxygen plasma. The as-prepared DLCNR arrays exhibit excellent field emission properties with a low turn-on field of 2.005 V μm-1 and a threshold field of 4.312 V μm-1, respectively. Raman spectroscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to determine the chemical bonding structural change of DLC films before and after etching. It is confirmed that DLC films have good connection with Si supports via the formation of the SiC phase, and larger conductive sp2 domains are formed in the as-etched DLC films, which play essential roles in the enhanced field emission properties for DLCNR arrays.

Composite silicon nanostructure arrays fabricated on optical fibre by chemical etching of multicrystal silicon film.

PubMed

Zuo, Zewen; Zhu, Kai; Ning, Lixin; Cui, Guanglei; Qu, Jun; Huang, Wanxia; Shi, Yi; Liu, Hong

2015-04-17

Integrating nanostructures onto optical fibers presents a promising strategy for developing new-fashioned devices and extending the scope of nanodevices' applications. Here we report the first fabrication of a composite silicon nanostructure on an optical fiber. Through direct chemical etching using an H2O2/HF solution, multicrystal silicon films with columnar microstructures are etched into a vertically aligned, inverted-cone-like nanorod array embedded in a nanocone array. A faster dissolution rate of the silicon at the void-rich boundary regions between the columns is found to be responsible for the separation of the columns, and thus the formation of the nanostructure array. The morphology of the nanorods primarily depends on the microstructure of the columns in the film. Through controlling the microstructure of the as-grown film and the etching parameters, the structural control of the nanostructure is promising. This fabrication method can be extended to a larger length scale, and it even allows roll-to-roll processing.

Interspace modification of titania-nanorod arrays for efficient mesoscopic perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Peng; Jin, Zhixin; Wang, Yinglin; Wang, Meiqi; Chen, Shixin; Zhang, Yang; Wang, Lingling; Zhang, Xintong; Liu, Yichun

2017-04-01

Morphology of electron transport layers (ETLs) has an important influence on the device architecture and electronic processes of mesostructured solar cells. In this work, we thoroughly investigated the effect of the interspace of TiO2 nanorod (NR) arrays on the photovoltaic performance of the perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Along with the interspace in TiO2-NR arrays increasing, the thickness as well as the crystal size of perovskite capping layer are reduced accordingly, and the filling of perovskite in the channel becomes incomplete. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements reveal that this variation of perovskite absorber layer, induced by interspace of TiO2 NR arrays, causes the change of charge recombination process at the TiO2/perovskite interface, suggesting that a balance between capping layer and the perovskite filling is critical to obtain high charge collection efficiency of PSCs. A power conversion efficiency of 10.3% could be achieved through careful optimization of interspace in TiO2-NR arrays. Our research will shed light on the morphology control of ETLs with 1D structure for heterojunction solar cells fabricated by solution-deposited method.

Microstructure evolution of zinc oxide films derived from dip-coating sol-gel technique: formation of nanorods through orientation attachment.

PubMed

Huang, Nan; Sun, Chao; Zhu, Mingwei; Zhang, Bin; Gong, Jun; Jiang, Xin

2011-07-01

ZnO:Al thin films with Al incorporation of 0-20 at.% were deposited through the sol-gel technique. Such a film undergoes a significant microstructure development, from columnar to granular structures and then nanorod arrays with increasing Al content. The important role of Al incorporation level in the microstructure evolution was determined using scanning electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. At low Al level, the transition from columnar to granular grains can be attributed to the coarsening barrier resulting from the introduction of Al into the matrix. However, oriented structures of ZnO nanorod arrays are formed at a high Al level. TEM investigation reveals that a nanorod with smooth morphology at the top and rough morphology at the bottom has a single-crystalline wurtzite structure, which is the aggregation of nanoparticles of a few nanometers in size formed through the orientation attachment mechanism followed by epitaxial growth on the aggregated particles. Finally, the physical properties of the ZnO films with different degrees of Al concentration are discussed. Such detailed microstructure studies may aid the understanding of the doping effect process on the growth of a film, which is essential to altering its physical or chemical properties.

Scalable Nanostructured Carbon Electrode Arrays for Enhanced Dopamine Detection.

PubMed

Demuru, Silvia; Nela, Luca; Marchack, Nathan; Holmes, Steven J; Farmer, Damon B; Tulevski, George S; Lin, Qinghuang; Deligianni, Hariklia

2018-04-27

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that modulates arousal and motivation in humans and animals. It plays a central role in the brain "reward" system. Its dysregulation is involved in several debilitating disorders such as addiction, depression, Parkinson's disease, and schizophrenia. Dopamine neurotransmission and its reuptake in extracellular space takes place with millisecond temporal and nanometer spatial resolution. Novel nanoscale electrodes are needed with superior sensitivity and improved spatial resolution to gain an improved understanding of dopamine dysregulation. We report on a scalable fabrication of dopamine neurochemical probes of a nanostructured glassy carbon that is smaller than any existing dopamine sensor and arrays of more than 6000 nanorod probes. We also report on the electrochemical dopamine sensing of the glassy carbon nanorod electrode. Compared with a carbon fiber, the nanostructured glassy carbon nanorods provide about 2× higher sensitivity per unit area for dopamine sensing and more than 5× higher signal per unit area at low concentration of dopamine, with comparable LOD and time response. These glassy carbon nanorods were fabricated by pyrolysis of a lithographically defined polymeric nanostructure with an industry standard semiconductor fabrication infrastructure. The scalable fabrication strategy offers the potential to integrate these nanoscale carbon rods with an integrated circuit control system and with other complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible sensors.

Zinc oxide nanorod based photonic devices: recent progress in growth, light emitting diodes and lasers.

PubMed

Willander, M; Nur, O; Zhao, Q X; Yang, L L; Lorenz, M; Cao, B Q; Zúñiga Pérez, J; Czekalla, C; Zimmermann, G; Grundmann, M; Bakin, A; Behrends, A; Al-Suleiman, M; El-Shaer, A; Che Mofor, A; Postels, B; Waag, A; Boukos, N; Travlos, A; Kwack, H S; Guinard, J; Le Si Dang, D

2009-08-19

Zinc oxide (ZnO), with its excellent luminescent properties and the ease of growth of its nanostructures, holds promise for the development of photonic devices. The recent advances in growth of ZnO nanorods are discussed. Results from both low temperature and high temperature growth approaches are presented. The techniques which are presented include metal-organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD), vapour phase epitaxy (VPE), pulse laser deposition (PLD), vapour-liquid-solid (VLS), aqueous chemical growth (ACG) and finally the electrodeposition technique as an example of a selective growth approach. Results from structural as well as optical properties of a variety of ZnO nanorods are shown and analysed using different techniques, including high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) and cathodoluminescence (CL), for both room temperature and for low temperature performance. These results indicate that the grown ZnO nanorods possess reproducible and interesting optical properties. Results on obtaining p-type doping in ZnO micro- and nanorods are also demonstrated using PLD. Three independent indications were found for p-type conducting, phosphorus-doped ZnO nanorods: first, acceptor-related CL peaks, second, opposite transfer characteristics of back-gate field effect transistors using undoped and phosphorus doped wire channels, and finally, rectifying I-V characteristics of ZnO:P nanowire/ZnO:Ga p-n junctions. Then light emitting diodes (LEDs) based on n-ZnO nanorods combined with different technologies (hybrid technologies) are suggested and the recent electrical, as well as electro-optical, characteristics of these LEDs are shown and discussed. The hybrid LEDs reviewed and discussed here are mainly presented for two groups: those based on n-ZnO nanorods and p-type crystalline substrates, and those based on n-ZnO nanorods and p-type amorphous substrates. Promising electroluminescence characteristics aimed at the development of white LEDs are demonstrated. Although some of the presented LEDs show visible emission for applied biases in excess of 10 V, optimized structures are expected to provide the same emission at much lower voltage. Finally, lasing from ZnO nanorods is briefly reviewed. An example of a recent whispering gallery mode (WGM) lasing from ZnO is demonstrated as a way to enhance the stimulated emission from small size structures.

The effect of cation doping on the morphology, optical and structural properties of highly oriented wurtzite ZnO-nanorod arrays grown by a hydrothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassanpour, A.; Guo, P.; Shen, S.; Bianucci, P.

2017-10-01

Undoped and C-doped (C: Mg2+, Ni2+, Mn2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Cr3+) ZnO nanorods were synthesized by a hydrothermal method at temperatures as low as 60 °C. The effect of doping on the morphology of the ZnO nanorods was visualized by taking their cross section and top SEM images. The results show that the size of nanorods was increased in both height and diameter by cation doping. The crystallinity change of the ZnO nanorods due to each doping element was thoroughly investigated by an x-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD patterns show that the wurtzite crystal structure of ZnO nanorods was maintained after cation addition. The optical Raman-active modes of undoped and cation-doped nanorods were measured with a micro-Raman setup at room temperature. The surface chemistry of samples was investigated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Finally, the effect of each cation dopant on band-gap shift of the ZnO nanorods was investigated by a photoluminescence setup at room temperature. Although the amount of dopants (Mg2+, Ni2+, and Co2+) was smaller than the amount of Mn2+, Cu2+, and Cr3+ in the nanorods, their effect on the band structure of the ZnO nanorods was profound. The highest band-gap shift was achieved for a Co-doped sample, and the best crystal orientation was for Mn-doped ZnO nanorods. Our results can be used as a comprehensive reference for engineering of the morphological, structural and optical properties of cation-doped ZnO nanorods by using a low-temperature synthesis as an economical mass-production approach.

High performance superconducting devices enabled by three dimensionally ordered nanodots and/or nanorods

DOEpatents

Goyal, Amit

2013-09-17

Novel articles and methods to fabricate same with self-assembled nanodots and/or nanorods of a single or multicomponent material within another single or multicomponent material for use in electrical, electronic, magnetic, electromagnetic and electrooptical devices is disclosed. Self-assembled nanodots and/or nanorods are ordered arrays wherein ordering occurs due to strain minimization during growth of the materials. A simple method to accomplish this when depositing in-situ films is also disclosed. Device applications of resulting materials are in areas of superconductivity, photovoltaics, ferroelectrics, magnetoresistance, high density storage, solid state lighting, non-volatile memory, photoluminescence, thermoelectrics and in quantum dot lasers.

Defects in ZnO nanorods prepared by a hydrothermal method.

PubMed

Tam, K H; Cheung, C K; Leung, Y H; Djurisić, A B; Ling, C C; Beling, C D; Fung, S; Kwok, W M; Chan, W K; Phillips, D L; Ding, L; Ge, W K

2006-10-26

ZnO nanorod arrays were fabricated using a hydrothermal method. The nanorods were studied by scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence (PL), time-resolved PL, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and positron annihilation spectroscopy before and after annealing in different environments and at different temperatures. Annealing atmosphere and temperature had significant effects on the PL spectrum, while in all cases the positron diffusion length and PL decay times were increased. We found that, while the defect emission can be significantly reduced by annealing at 200 degrees C, the rods still have large defect concentrations as confirmed by their low positron diffusion length and short PL decay time constants.

High performance electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic and electrooptical devices enabled by three dimensionally ordered nanodots and nanorods

DOEpatents

Goyal, Amit , Kang; Sukill, [Knoxville, TN

2012-02-21

Novel articles and methods to fabricate same with self-assembled nanodots and/or nanorods of a single or multicomponent material within another single or multicomponent material for use in electrical, electronic, magnetic, electromagnetic and electrooptical devices is disclosed. Self-assembled nanodots and/or nanorods are ordered arrays wherein ordering occurs due to strain minimization during growth of the materials. A simple method to accomplish this when depositing in-situ films is also disclosed. Device applications of resulting materials are in areas of superconductivity, photovoltaics, ferroelectrics, magnetoresistance, high density storage, solid state lighting, non-volatile memory, photoluminescence, thermoelectrics and in quantum dot lasers.

High performance devices enabled by epitaxial, preferentially oriented, nanodots and/or nanorods

DOEpatents

Goyal, Amit [Knoxville, TN

2011-10-11

Novel articles and methods to fabricate same with self-assembled nanodots and/or nanorods of a single or multicomponent material within another single or multicomponent material for use in electrical, electronic, magnetic, electromagnetic, superconducting and electrooptical devices is disclosed. Self-assembled nanodots and/or nanorods are ordered arrays wherein ordering occurs due to strain minimization during growth of the materials. A simple method to accomplish this when depositing in-situ films is also disclosed. Device applications of resulting materials are in areas of superconductivity, photovoltaics, ferroelectrics, magnetoresistance, high density storage, solid state lighting, non-volatile memory, photoluminescence, thermoelectrics and in quantum dot lasers.

Effect of thermal implying during ageing process of nanorods growth on the properties of zinc oxide nanorod arrays

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ismail, A. S., E-mail: kyrin-samaxi@yahoo.com; Mamat, M. H., E-mail: mhmamat@salam.uitm.edu.my; Rusop, M., E-mail: rusop@salam.uitm.my

Undoped and Sn-doped Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures have been fabricated using a simple sol-gel immersion method at 95°C of growth temperature. Thermal sourced by hot plate stirrer was supplied to the solution during ageing process of nanorods growth. The results showed significant decrement in the quality of layer produced after the immersion process where the conductivity and porosity of the samples reduced significantly due to the thermal appliance. The structural properties of the samples have been characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) electrical properties has been characterized using current voltage (I-V) measurement.

High-performance optical projection controllable ZnO nanorod arrays for microweighing sensors.

PubMed

Wang, Hongbo; Jiang, Shulan; Zhang, Lei; Yu, Bingjun; Chen, Duoli; Yang, Weiqing; Qian, Linmao

2018-03-08

Optical microweighing sensors are an essential component of micro-force measurements in physical, chemical, and biological detection fields, although, their limited detection range (less than 15°) severely hinders their wide application. Such a limitation is mainly attributed to the essential restrictions of traditional light reflection and optical waveguide modes. Here, we report a high-performance optical microweighing sensor based on the synergistic effects of both a new optical projection mode and a ZnO nanorod array sensor. Ascribed to the unique configuration design of this sensing method, this optical microweighing sensor has a wide detection range (more than 80°) and a high sensitivity of 90 nA deg -1 , which is much larger than that of conventional microcantilever-based optical microweighing sensors. Furthermore, the location of the UV light source can be adjusted within a few millimeters, meaning that the microweighing sensor does not need repetitive optical calibration. More importantly, for low height and small incident angles of the UV light source, we can obtain highly sensitive microweighing properties on account of the highly sensitive ZnO nanorod array-based UV sensor. Therefore, this kind of large detection range, non-contact, and non-destructive microweighing sensor has potential applications in air quality monitoring and chemical and biological detection.

Enhanced photoelectrochemical property of ZnO nanorods array synthesized on reduced graphene oxide for self-powered biosensing application.

PubMed

Kang, Zhuo; Gu, Yousong; Yan, Xiaoqin; Bai, Zhiming; Liu, Yichong; Liu, Shuo; Zhang, Xiaohui; Zhang, Zheng; Zhang, Xueji; Zhang, Yue

2015-02-15

We have realized the direct synthesis of ZnO nanorods (ZnO NRs) array on reduced graphene layer (rGO), and demonstrated the enhanced photoelectrochemical (PEC) property of the rGO/ZnO based photoanode under UV irradiation compared with the pristine ZnO NRs array. The introduction of the rGO layer resulted in a favorable energy band structure for electron migration, which finally led to the efficient photoinduced charge separation. Such nanostructure was subsequently employed for self-powered PEC biosensing of glutathione in the condition of 0 V bias, with a linear range from 10 to 200 µM, a detection limit of 2.17 µM, as well as excellent selectivity, reproducibility and stability. The results indicated the rGO/ZnO nanostructure is a competitive candidate in the PEC biosensing field. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Tuning the EDTA-induced self-assembly and plasmonic spectral properties of gold nanorods: application in surface-enhanced Raman scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jian-jun; Zhang, Ning; Wang, Jingyuan; Yang, Chun-yu; Zhu, Jian; Zhao, Jun-wu

2016-02-01

Self-assembly of cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide-protected colloidal gold nanorods with different aspect ratios has been studied by adding the ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). Both the assembly strength and assembly configuration fashion of the gold nanorods could be tuned by changing the aspect ratio. For gold nanorods with small aspect ratio, side-by-side assembly takes the major role in the aggregation. In this case, the blue shift of the longitudinal absorption and the increase of the transverse absorption lead to the great uplift of the middle spectrum dip as the EDTA is increased. For gold nanorods with large aspect ratio, end-to-end assembly takes the major role in the aggregation. In this case, the longitudinal absorption peak fades down rapidly and a tailing absorption peak at longer wavelength uplifts greatly as the EDTA is increased. The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity of the assembled gold nanorods has been studied using alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) as the Raman active probe. It has been found that both the side-by-side assembly and end-to-end assembly of the gold nanorods could effectively improve the Raman signal of the AFP. And the gold nanorod substrate with side-by-side assembly has higher SERS activity.

Role of near-field enhancement in plasmonic laser nanoablation using gold nanorods on a silicon substrate: comment.

PubMed

Boulais, E; Robitaille, A; Desjeans-Gauthier, P; Meunier, M

2011-03-28

In this comment, we argue that the conlusion made by Harrisson and Ben-Yakar [Opt. Express 18, 22556 (2010)], which states that nanoablation with plasmonic nanorods depends on the enhancement of the Poynting vector rather than the one of the square of the electric field, is incorrect and not necessarily needed to explain their experimental results.

Tuning of defects in ZnO nanorod arrays used in bulk heterojunction solar cells

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

With particular focus on bulk heterojunction solar cells incorporating ZnO nanorods, we study how different annealing environments (air or Zn environment) and temperatures impact on the photoluminescence response. Our work gives new insight into the complex defect landscape in ZnO, and it also shows how the different defect types can be manipulated. We have determined the emission wavelengths for the two main defects which make up the visible band, the oxygen vacancy emission wavelength at approximately 530 nm and the zinc vacancy emission wavelength at approximately 630 nm. The precise nature of the defect landscape in the bulk of the nanorods is found to be unimportant to photovoltaic cell performance although the surface structure is more critical. Annealing of the nanorods is optimum at 300°C as this is a sufficiently high temperature to decompose Zn(OH)2 formed at the surface of the nanorods during electrodeposition and sufficiently low to prevent ITO degradation. PMID:23186280

Formation and bioactivity of HA nanorods on micro-arc oxidized zirconium.

PubMed

Zhang, Lan; Zhu, Shaoyu; Han, Yong; Xiao, Chengzhang; Tang, Wu

2014-10-01

A microporous and CaO partially stabilized zirconia (Ca-PSZ) coating covered with hydroxyapatite (HA) nanorods is fabricated on Zr substrate by a hybrid approach of micro-arc oxidation (MAO) and hydrothermal treatment (HT). The effect of P ions in HT solution on the density and morphology of HA was investigated; the hydrophilicity and apatite-forming ability of the Ca-PSZ coating with HA nanorods were also examined. High-density HA nanorods (with a mean diameter of 50 nm and length of 450 nm) grow on the Ca-PSZ coating after HT in a solution containing 0.002 M β-glycerophosphate disodium (β-GP). However, only a few of coarse-grained HA crystallites grow in the MAOed pores after HT in distilled water or in an ammonia aqueous solution with an initial pH value equal to the solution containing 0.002 M β-GP. P ions in the HT solution are thought to significantly promote the formation of HA nanorods. The Ca-PSZ coating covered with HA nanorods displays good hydrophilicity and excellent apatite-inducing ability, and the induced apatite prefers to nucleate on the basal-faceted surfaces of HA nanorods. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Functionalized vertically aligned ZnO nanorods for application in electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor based pH sensors and label-free immuno-sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Narendra; Senapati, Sujata; Kumar, Satyendra; Kumar, Jitendra; Panda, Siddhartha

2016-04-01

Vertically aligned ZnO nanorods were grown on a SiO2/Si surface by optimization of the temperature and atmosphere for annealing of the seed. The seed layer annealed at 500 °C in vacuum provided well separated and uniform seeds which also provided the best condition to get densely packed, uniformly distributed, and vertically aligned nanorods. These nanorods grown on the substrates were used to fabricate electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS) devices for pH sensing. Etching of ZnO at acidic pH prevents the direct use of nanorods for pH sensing. Therefore, the nanorods functionalised with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) were utilized for pH sensing and showed the pH sensitivity of 50.1 mV/pH. APTES is also known to be used as a linker to immobilize biomolecules (such as antibodies). The EIS device with APTES functionalized nanorods was used for the label free detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Finally, voltage shifts of 23 mV and 35 mV were observed with PSA concentrations of 1 ng/ml and 100 ng/ml, respectively.

A self-powered nano-photodetector based on PFH/ZnO nanorods organic/inorganic heterojunction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiaoyun; Liu, Wei; Li, Peigang; Song, Jia; An, Yuehua; Shen, Jingqin; Wang, Shunli; Guo, Daoyou

2018-03-01

PFH/ZnO nanorods heterojunctions were fabricated by spin-coating p-type Poly (9,9-dihexylfluorene) (PFH) on n-type vertically aligned ZnO nanorod arrays grown by a facile hydrothermal method on indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent conductive glass. A typical p-n junction behavior was observed in the fabricated heterojunction. The current of heterojunction increases and decreases dramatically by switching the illumination on and off at zero bias, showing potential self-powered photodetector applications. The heterojunction were capable of generating negative current when illuminated under an appropriate wavelength. The photoresponse properties of the heterojunction can be tuned by the applied bias. In vacuum, the rectifying behavior disappeared, and show only simple semiconductor behavior. Band structure of the heterojunction was schematic drawn and explain the mechanism of the properties of PFH/ZnO nanorods heterojunctions.

Influence of aspect ratio and surface defect density on hydrothermally grown ZnO nanorods towards amperometric glucose biosensing applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shukla, Mayoorika; Pramila; Dixit, Tejendra; Prakash, Rajiv; Palani, I. A.; Singh, Vipul

2017-11-01

In this work, hydrothermally grown ZnO Nanorods Array (ZNA) has been synthesized over Platinum (Pt) coated glass substrate, for biosensing applications. In-situ addition of strong oxidizing agent viz KMnO4 during hydrothermal growth was found to have profound effect on the physical properties of ZNA. Glucose oxidase (GOx) was later immobilized over ZNA by means of physical adsorption process. Further influence of varying aspect ratio, enzyme loading and surface defects on amperometric glucose biosensor has been analyzed. Significant variation in biosensor performance was observed by varying the amount of KMnO4 addition during the growth. Moreover, investigations revealed that the suppression of surface defects and aspect ratio variation of the ZNA played key role towards the observed improvement in the biosensor performance, thereby significantly affecting the sensitivity and response time of the fabricated biosensor. Among different biosensors fabricated having varied aspect ratio and surface defect density of ZNA, the best electrode resulted into sensitivity and response time to be 18.7 mA cm-2 M-1 and <5 s respectively. The observed results revealed that apart from high aspect ratio nanostructures and the extent of enzyme loading, surface defect density also hold a key towards ZnO nanostructures based bio-sensing applications.

Growth of AlGaN alloys under excess group III conditions: Formation of vertical nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singha, Chirantan; Sen, Sayantani; Pramanik, Pallabi; Palit, Mainak; Das, Alakananda; Roy, Abhra Shankar; Sen, Susanta; Bhattacharyya, Anirban

2018-01-01

Droplet Epitaxy of AlGaN nanostructures was investigated in this work. Growth was carried out by Plasma Assisted Molecular Beam Epitaxy (PA-MBE) under extreme group III rich conditions, where the excess metal remained on the growth surface and formed nanoscale metallic droplets due to the interplay of surface energy, surface diffusion and desorption, all of which are strongly dependent on the relative arrival rates of gallium and aluminum and the substrate temperature. Intermittent exposure of this metallic film to active nitrogen forms various types of nanostructures, whose morphology, composition and luminescence properties were evaluated. Our results indicate that for AlN, the droplet epitaxy process forms random arrays of uniform well oriented [0 0 0 1] nanorods with a height of ∼1 μm and a diameter of 250 nm. For AlGaN grown under excess gallium, and intermittent exposure to the active plasma, structures with diameters of 200 μm to 600 μm and a height of 80 nm were observed. We report the spontaneous formation of lateral concentric heterostructures under these conditions. A single photoluminescence (PL) peak was observed at about 260 nm with a room temperature to 4 K intensity ratio of ∼25%.

Anisotropic nanomaterials: Synthesis, optical and magnetic properties, and applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banholzer, Matthew John

As nanoscience and nanotechnology mature, anisotropic metal nanostructures are emerging in a variety of contexts as valuable class of nanostructures due to their distinctive attributes. With unique properties ranging from optical to magnetic and beyond, these structures are useful in many new applications. Chapter two discusses the nanodisk code: a linear array of metal disk pairs that serve as surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrates. These multiplexing structures employ a binary encoding scheme, perform better than previous nanowires designs (in the context of SERS) and are useful for both convert encoding and tagging of substrates (based both on spatial disk position and spectroscopic response) as well as biomolecule detection (e.g. DNA). Chapter three describes the development of improved, silver-based nanodisk code structures. Work was undertaken to generate structures with high yield and reproducibility and to reoptimize the geometry of each disk pair for maximum Raman enhancement. The improved silver structures exhibit greater enhancement than Au structures (leading to lower DNA detection limits), convey additional flexibility, and enable trinary encoding schemes where far more unique structures can be created. Chapter four considers the effect of roughness on the plasmonic properties of nanorod structures and introduces a novel method to smooth the end-surfaces of nanorods structures. The smoothing technique is based upon a two-step process relying upon diffusion control during nanowires growth and selective oxidation after each step of synthesis is complete. Empirical and theoretical work show that smoothed nanostructures have superior and controllable optical properties. Chapter five concerns silica-encapsulated gold nanoprisms. This encapsulation allows these highly sensitive prisms to remain stable and protected in solution, enabling their use as class-leading sensors. Theoretical study complements the empirical work, exploring the effect of encapsulation on the SPR of these structures. Chapter six focuses on the magnetic properties of Au-Ni heterostructures. In addition to demonstration of nanoconfinement effects based upon the anisotropy of the nanorods/nanodisk structure, the magnetic coupling of rod-disk heterostructures is examined. Subsequent investigations suggest that the magnetic behavior of disks can be influenced by nearby rod segments, leading to the creation of a three-state spin system that may prove useful in device applications.

Efficient reduction of defects in (1120) non-polar and (1122) semi-polar GaN grown on nanorod templates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bai, J.; Gong, Y.; Xing, K.; Yu, X.; Wang, T.

2013-03-01

(1120) non-polar and (1122) semi-polar GaNs with a low defect density have been achieved by means of an overgrowth on nanorod templates, where a quick coalescence with a thickness even below 1 μm occurs. On-axis and off-axis X-ray rocking curve measurements have shown a massive reduction in the linewidth for our overgrown GaN in comparison with standard GaN films grown on sapphire substrates. Transmission electron microscope observation demonstrates that the overgrowth on the nanorod templates takes advantage of an omni-directional growth around the sidewalls of the nanostructures. The dislocations redirect in basal planes during the overgrowth, leading to their annihilation and termination at voids formed due to a large lateral growth rate. In the non-polar GaN, the priority <0001> lateral growth from vertical sidewalls of nanorods allows basal plane stacking faults (BSFs) to be blocked in the nanorod gaps; while for semi-polar GaN, the propagation of BSFs starts to be impeded when the growth front is changed to be along inclined <0001> direction above the nanorods.

Influence of the morphology of ZnO nanostructures on luminescent and photovoltaic properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ibrayev, N. Kh.; Ilyassov, B. R.; Afanasyev, D. A.

2017-03-01

Arrays of ZnO nanorods and nanoplates are synthesized by the hydrothermal and electrochemical methods, respectively. The photoluminescence spectra indicate that the nanoplates have a more defective structure than the nanorods. The obtained ZnO nanostructures are used as the basis to construct dye-sensitized solar cells. The influence of morphology and defectiveness of ZnO nanostructures on the luminescent and photovoltaic properties of the cells is studied.

ZnO nanorods/AZO photoanode for perovskite solar cells fabricated in ambient air

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

La Ferrara, Vera; De Maria, Antonella; Rametta, Gabriella; Della Noce, Marco; Vittoria Mercaldo, Lucia; Borriello, Carmela; Bruno, Annalisa; Delli Veneri, Paola

2017-08-01

ZnO nanorods are a good candidate for replacing standard photoanodes, such as TiO2, in perovskite solar cells and in principle superseding the high performances already obtained. This is possible because ZnO nanorods have a fast electron transport rate due to their large surface area. An array of ZnO nanorods is grown by chemical bath deposition starting from Al-doped ZnO (AZO) used both as a seed layer and as an efficient transparent anode in the visible spectral range. In particular, in this work we fabricate methylammonium lead iodide (CH3NH3PbI3) perovskite solar cells using glass/AZO/ZnO nanorods/perovskite/Spiro-OMeTAD/Au as the architecture. The growth of ZnO nanorods has been optimized by varying the precursor concentrations, growth time and solution temperature. All the fabrication process and photovoltaic characterizations have been carried out in ambient air and the devices have not been encapsulated. Power conversion efficiency as high as 7.0% has been obtained with a good stability over 20 d. This is the highest reported value to the best of our knowledge and it is a promising result for the development of perovskite solar cells based on ZnO nanorods and AZO.

Improved electrochemical properties of morphology-controlled titania/titanate nanostructures prepared by in-situ hydrothermal surface modification of self-source Ti substrate for high-performance supercapacitors.

PubMed

Banerjee, Arghya Narayan; Anitha, V C; Joo, Sang W

2017-10-16

Ti substrate surface is modified into two-dimensional (2D) TiO 2 nanoplatelet or one-dimensional (1D) nanorod/nanofiber (or a mixture of both) structure in a controlled manner via a simple KOH-based hydrothermal technique. Depending on the KOH concentration, different types of TiO 2 nanostructures (2D platelets, 1D nanorods/nanofibers and a 2D+1D mixed sample) are fabricated directly onto the Ti substrate surface. The novelty of this technique is the in-situ modification of the self-source Ti surface into titania nanostructures, and its direct use as the electrochemical microelectrode without any modifications. This leads to considerable improvement in the interfacial properties between metallic Ti and semiconducting TiO 2 . Since interfacial states/defects have profound effect on charge transport properties of electronic/electrochemical devices, therefore this near-defect-free interfacial property of Ti-TiO 2 microelectrode has shown high supercapacitive performances for superior charge-storage devices. Additionally, by hydrothermally tuning the morphology of titania nanostructures, the electrochemical properties of the electrodes are also tuned. A Ti-TiO 2 electrode comprising of a mixture of 2D-platelet+1D-nanorod structure reveals very high specific capacitance values (~7.4 mF.cm -2 ) due to the unique mixed morphology which manifests higher active sites (hence, higher utilization of the active materials) in terms of greater roughness at the 2D-platelet structures and higher surface-to-volume-ratio in the 1D-nanorod structures.

Influence of ionic strength and surfactant concentration on electrostatic surfacial assembly of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-capped gold nanorods on fully immersed glass.

PubMed

Ferhan, Abdul Rahim; Guo, Longhua; Kim, Dong-Hwan

2010-07-20

The effect of ionic strength as well as surfactant concentration on the surface assembly of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)-capped gold nanorods (GNRs) has been studied. Glass substrates were modified to yield a net negative charge through electrostatic coating of polystyrenesulfonate (PSS) over a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of positively charged aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS). The substrates were then fully immersed in GNR solutions at different CTAB concentrations and ionic strengths. Under slightly excess CTAB concentrations, it was observed that the density of GNRs immobilized on a substrate was predictably tunable through the adjustment of NaCl concentration over a wide range. Motivated by the experimental observation, we hypothesize that electrostatic shielding of charges around the GNRs affects the density of GNR immobilization. This model ultimately explains that at moderate to high CTAB concentrations a second electrostatic shielding effect contributed by excess CTAB molecules occurs, resulting in a parabolic trend of nanorod surface density when ionic strength is continually increased. In contrast, at a low CTAB concentration, the effect of ionic strength becomes much less significant due to insufficient CTAB molecules to provide for the second electrostatic shielding effect. The tunability of electrostatic-based surface assembly of GNRs enables the attainment of a dense surface assembly of nanorods without significant removal of CTAB or any other substituted stabilizing agent, both of which could compromise the stability and morphology of GNRs in solution. An additional study performed to investigate the robustness of such electrostatic-based surface assembly also proved its reliability to be used as biosensing platforms.

Role of Ag2S coupling on enhancing the visible-light-induced catalytic property of TiO2 nanorod arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zhengcao; Xiong, Shan; Wang, Guojing; Xie, Zheng; Zhang, Zhengjun

2016-01-01

In order to obtain a better photocatalytic performance under visible light, Ag2S-coupled TiO2 nanorod arrays (NRAs) were prepared through the electron beam deposition with glancing angle deposition (GLAD) technique, annealing in air, followed by the successive ionic layer absorption and reaction (SILAR) method. The properties of the photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) were thus conducted. The presence of Ag2S on TiO2 NRAs was observed to have a significant improvement on the response to visible light. It’s resulted from that Ag2S coupling can improve the short circuit photocurrent density and enhance the photocatalytic activity remarkably.

Enhanced photoelectrochemical properties of TiO2 nanorod arrays decorated with CdS nanoparticles

PubMed Central

Xie, Zheng; Liu, Xiangxuan; Wang, Weipeng; Liu, Can; Li, Zhengcao; Zhang, Zhengjun

2014-01-01

TiO2 nanorod arrays (TiO2 NRAs) sensitized with CdS nanoparticles were fabricated via successive ion layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR), and TiO2 NRAs were obtained by oxidizing Ti NRAs obtained through oblique angle deposition. The TiO2 NRAs decorated with CdS nanoparticles exhibited excellent photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic properties under visible light, and the one decorated with 20 SILAR cycles CdS nanoparticles shows the best performance. This can be attributed to the enhanced separation of electrons and holes by forming heterojunctions of CdS nanoparticles and TiO2 NRAs. This provides a promising way to fabricate the material for solar energy conversion and wastewater degradation. PMID:27877718

Bias-polarity-dependent UV/visible transferable electroluminescence from ZnO nanorod array LED with graphene oxide electrode supporting layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Weizhen; Wang, Wei; Xu, Haiyang; Li, Xinghua; Yang, Liu; Ma, Jiangang; Liu, Yichun

2015-09-01

A simple top electrode preparation process, employing continuous graphene oxide films as electrode supporting layers, was adopted to fabricate a ZnO nanorod array/p-GaN heterojunction LED. The achieved LED demonstrated different electroluminescence behaviors under forward and reverse biases: a yellow-red emission band was observed under forward bias, whereas a blue-UV emission peak was obtained under reverse bias. Electroluminescence spectra under different currents and temperatures, as well as heterojunction energy-band alignments, reveal that the yellow-red emission under forward bias originates from recombinations related to heterointerface defects, whereas the blue-UV electroluminescence under reverse bias is ascribed to transitions from near-band-edge and Mg-acceptor levels in p-GaN.

Role of Ag2S coupling on enhancing the visible-light-induced catalytic property of TiO2 nanorod arrays

PubMed Central

Li, Zhengcao; Xiong, Shan; Wang, Guojing; Xie, Zheng; Zhang, Zhengjun

2016-01-01

In order to obtain a better photocatalytic performance under visible light, Ag2S-coupled TiO2 nanorod arrays (NRAs) were prepared through the electron beam deposition with glancing angle deposition (GLAD) technique, annealing in air, followed by the successive ionic layer absorption and reaction (SILAR) method. The properties of the photoelectrochemical and photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) were thus conducted. The presence of Ag2S on TiO2 NRAs was observed to have a significant improvement on the response to visible light. It’s resulted from that Ag2S coupling can improve the short circuit photocurrent density and enhance the photocatalytic activity remarkably. PMID:26790759

Strong light coupling effect for a glancing-deposited silver nanorod array in the Kretschmann configuration

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

In this work, three slanted silver nanorod arrays (NRAs) with different thicknesses are fabricated using the glancing angle deposition method. Each silver NRA in the Kretschmann configuration is arranged to form a prism/NRA/air system. Attenuated total reflection occurs over the visible wavelengths and wide incident angles of both s- and p-polarization states. The extinctance is inversely proportional to the thickness of the Ag NRA. The thinnest NRA, with a thickness of 169 nm, exhibits strong extinctance of more than 80% over the visible wavelengths. The associated forward scatterings from the three NRAs are measured and compared under illumination with a laser beam with a wavelength of 632.8 nm. PMID:25352769

Enhanced performance of core-shell structured polyaniline at helical carbon nanotube hybrids for ammonia gas sensor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tian, Xin; Wang, Qiang; Chen, Xiangnan

2014-11-17

A core-shell structured hybrid of polyaniline at helical carbon nanotubes was synthesized using in situ polymerization, which the helical carbon nanotubes were uniformly surrounded by a layer of polyaniline nanorods array. More interestingly, repeatable responses were experimentally observed that the sensitivity to ammonia gas of the as-prepared helical shaped core-shell hybrid displays an enhancement of more than two times compared to those of only polyaniline or helical carbon nanotubes sensors because of the peculiar structures with high surface area. This kind of hybrid comprising nanorod arrays of conductive polymers covering carbon nanotubes and related structures provide a potential in sensorsmore » of trace gas detection for environmental monitoring and safety forecasting.« less

Significantly Enhanced Energy Density in Nanocomposite Capacitors Combining the TiO2 Nanorod Array with Poly(vinylidene fluoride).

PubMed

Yao, Lingmin; Pan, Zhongbin; Liu, Shaohui; Zhai, Jiwei; Chen, Haydn H D

2016-10-05

A novel inorganic/polymer nanocomposite, using 1-dimensional TiO 2 nanorod array as fillers (TNA) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) as matrix, has been successfully synthesized for the first time. A carefully designed process sequence includes several steps with the initial epitaxial growth of highly oriented TNA on the fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) conductive glass. Subsequently, PVDF is embedded into the nanorods by the spin-coating method followed by annealing and quenching processes. This novel structure with dispersive fillers demonstrates a successful compromise between the electric displacement and breakdown strength, resulting in a dramatic increase in the electric polarization which leads to a significant improvement on the energy density and discharge efficiency. The nanocomposites with various height ratios of fillers between the TNA and total film thickness were investigated by us. The results show that nanocomposite with 18% height ratio fillers obtains maximum increase in the energy density (10.62 J cm -3 ) at a lower applied electric field of 340 MV m -1 , and it also illustrates a higher efficiency (>85%) under the electric field less than 100 MV m -1 . Even when the electric field reached 340 MV m -1 , the efficiency of nanocomposites can still maintained at ∼70%. This energy density exceeds most of the previously reported TiO 2 -based nanocomposite values at such a breakdown strength, which provides another promising design for the next generation of dielectric nanocomposite material, by using the highly oriented nanorod array as fillers for the higher energy density capacitors. Additionally, the finite element simulation has been employed to analyze the distribution of electric fields and electric flux density to explore the inherent mechanism of the higher performance of the TNA/PVDF nanocomposites.

Synthesis and Characterization of Doped ZnO Nanomaterials: Potential Application in Third Generation Solar Cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adcock Smith, Echo D.

ZnO nanomaterials are being incorporated into next-generation solar cell designs including dye-sensitized solar cells, multijunction solar cells, and quantum dot sensitized solar cells. ZnO nanorod (NR) arrays and nanoparticles (NP) used in these devices are typically fabricated using chemical vapor deposition and/or high-temperature reaction conditions. These methods are costly, require high energy, pressure or excessive time, but produce repeatable, defined growth that is capable of easily incorporating metal dopants. Less expensive methods of fabrication such as chemical bath deposition (CBD) eliminate the costly steps but can suffer from undefined growth, excessive waste and have a difficult time incorporating dopants into ZnO materials without additives or increased pH. This dissertation presents a novel method of growing cobalt and vanadium doped ZnO nanomaterials through microwave synthesis. The cobalt growth was compared to standard CBD and found to be faster, less wasteful, reproducible and better at incorporating cobalt ions into the ZnO lattice than typical oven CBD method. The vanadium doped ZnO microwave synthesis procedure was found to produce nanorods, nanorod arrays, and nanoparticles simultaneously. Neither the cobalt nor the vanadium growth required pH changes, catalysts or additives to assist in doping and therefore use less materials than traditional CBD. This research is important because it offers a simple, quick way to grow ZnO nanostructures and is the first to report on growing both cobalt and vanadium doped zinc oxide nanorod arrays using microwave synthesis. This synthesis method presented is a viable candidate for replacing conventional growth synthesis which will result in lowering the cost and time of production of photovoltaics while helping drive forward the development of next-generation solar cells.

Template directed synthesis of plasmonic gold nanotubes with tunable IR absorbance.

PubMed

Bridges, Colin R; Schon, Tyler B; DiCarmine, Paul M; Seferos, Dwight S

2013-04-01

A nearly parallel array of pores can be produced by anodizing aluminum foils in acidic environments. Applications of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes have been under development since the 1990's and have become a common method to template the synthesis of high aspect ratio nanostructures, mostly by electrochemical growth or pore-wetting. Recently, these membranes have become commercially available in a wide range of pore sizes and densities, leading to an extensive library of functional nanostructures being synthesized from AAO membranes. These include composite nanorods, nanowires and nanotubes made of metals, inorganic materials or polymers. Nanoporous membranes have been used to synthesize nanoparticle and nanotube arrays that perform well as refractive index sensors, plasmonic biosensors, or surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates, as well as a wide range of other fields such as photo-thermal heating, permselective transport, catalysis, microfluidics, and electrochemical sensing. Here, we report a novel procedure to prepare gold nanotubes in AAO membranes. Hollow nanostructures have potential application in plasmonic and SERS sensing, and we anticipate these gold nanotubes will allow for high sensitivity and strong plasmon signals, arising from decreased material dampening.

Understanding and Shaping the Morphology of the Barrier Layer of Supported Porous Anodized Alumina on Gold Underlayers.

PubMed

Berger, Nele; Es-Souni, Mohammed

2016-07-12

Large-area ordered nanorod (NR) arrays of various functional materials can be easily and cost-effectively processed using on-substrate anodized porous aluminum oxide (PAO) films as templates. However, reproducibility in the processing of PAO films is still an issue because they are prone to delamination, and control of fabrication parameters such as electrolyte type and concentration and anodizing time is critical for making robust templates and subsequently mechanically reliable NR arrays. In the present work, we systematically investigate the effects of the fabrication parameters on pore base morphology, devise a method to avoid delamination, and control void formation under the barrier layer of PAO films on gold underlayers. Via systematic control of the anodization parameters, particularly the anodization current density and time, we follow the different stages of void development and discuss their formation mechanisms. The practical aspect of this work demonstrates how void size can be controlled and how void formation can be utilized to control the shape of NR bases for improving the mechanical stability of the NRs.

Optical dynamic range maximization for humidity sensing by controlling growth of zinc oxide nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yusof, Haziezol Helmi Mohd; Harun, Sulaiman Wadi; Dimyati, Kaharudin; Bora, Tanujjal; Mohammed, Waleed S.; Dutta, Joydeep

2018-07-01

An experimental study of the dynamic range maximization with Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanorods coated glass substrates for humidity and vapor sensing is reported. Growth time of the nanorods and the length of the coated segments were controlled to study the differences between a reference environmental condition (normal humidity or dry condition) and water vapor concentrations. In order to achieve long dynamic range of detection with respect to nanorods coverage, several substrates with triangular patterns of ZnO nanostructures were fabricated by selective hydrothermal growth over different durations of time (5 h, 10 h and 15 h). It was found that maximum dynamic range for the humidity sensing occurs for the combination parameters of normalized length (Z) of 0.23 and normalized scattering coefficient (ζ) of 0.3. A reduction in transmittance by 38% at humidity levels of 80% with reference point as 50% humidity was observed. The results could be correlated to a first order approximation model that assumes uniform growth and the optimum operating conditions for humidity sensing device. This study provides an option to correlate ZnO growth conditions for different vapor sensing applications which can set a platform for compact sensors where modulation of light intensity is followed.

Films of brookite TiO2 nanorods/nanoparticles deposited by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation as NO2 gas-sensing layers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caricato, A. P.; Buonsanti, R.; Catalano, M.; Cesaria, M.; Cozzoli, P. D.; Luches, A.; Manera, M. G.; Martino, M.; Taurino, A.; Rella, R.

2011-09-01

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanorods in the brookite phase, with average dimensions of 3-4 nm × 20-50 nm, were synthesized by a wet-chemical aminolysis route and used as precursors for thin films that were deposited by the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique. A nanorod solution in toluene (0.016 wt% TiO2) was frozen at the liquid-nitrogen temperature and irradiated with a KrF excimer laser at a fluence of 350 mJ/cm2 and repetition rate of 10 Hz. Single-crystal Si wafers, silica slides, carbon-coated Cu grids and alumina interdigitated slabs were used as substrates to allow performing different characterizations. Films fabricated with 6000 laser pulses had an average thickness of ˜150 nm, and a complete coverage of the selected substrate as achieved. High-resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopy investigations evidenced the formation of quite rough films incorporating individually distinguishable TiO2 nanorods and crystalline spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of ˜13 nm. Spectrophotometric analysis showed high transparency through the UV-Vis spectral range. Promising resistive sensing responses to 1 ppm of NO2 mixed in dry air were obtained.

Growth of rutile TiO2 nanorods in Ti and Cu ion sequentially implanted SiO2 and the involved mechanisms

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mu, Xiaoyu; Liu, Xiaoyu; Wang, Xiaohu; Dai, Haitao; Liu, Changlong

2018-01-01

TiO2 in nanoscale exhibits unique physicochemical and optoelectronic properties and has attracted much more interest of the researchers. In this work, TiO2 nanostructures are synthesized in amorphous SiO2 slices by implanting Ti ions, or sequentially implanting Ti and Cu ions combined with annealing at high temperature. The morphology, structure, spatial distribution and optical properties of the formed nanostructures have been investigated in detail. Our results clearly show that the thermal growth of TiO2 nanostructures in SiO2 substrate is significantly enhanced by presence of post Cu ion implantation, which depends strongly on the applied Cu ion fluence, as well as the annealing atmosphere. Due to the formation of Cu2O in the substrate, rutile TiO2 nanorods of large size have been well fabricated in the Ti and Cu sequentially implanted SiO2 after annealing in N2 atmosphere, in which Cu2O plays a role as a catalyst. Moreover, the sample with well-fabricated TiO2 nanorods exhibits a narrowed band gap, an enhanced optical absorption in visible region, and catalase-/peroxidase-like catalytic characteristics. Our findings provide an effective route to fabricate functional TiO2 nanorods in SiO2 via ion implantation.

Synthesis and characterization of silicon nanorod on n-type porous silicon.

PubMed

Behzad, Kasra; Mat Yunus, Wan Mahmood; Bahrami, Afarin; Kharazmi, Alireza; Soltani, Nayereh

2016-03-20

This work reports a new method for growing semiconductor nanorods on a porous silicon substrate. After preparation of n-type porous silicon samples, a thin layer of gold was deposited on them. Gold deposited samples were annealed at different temperatures. The structural, thermal, and optical properties of the samples were studied using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), photoacoustic spectroscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy, respectively. FESEM analysis revealed that silicon nanorods of different sizes grew on the annealed samples. Thermal behavior of the samples was studied using photoacoustic spectroscopy. Photoluminescence spectroscopy showed that the emission peaks were degraded by gold deposition and attenuated for all samples by annealing.

Design and construction of hierarchical TiO2 nanorod arrays by combining layer-by-layer and hydrothermal crystallization techniques for electrochromic application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yongbo; Li, Xiaomin; Bi, Zhijie; He, Xiaoli; Li, Guanjie; Xu, Xiaoke; Gao, Xiangdong

2018-05-01

The hierarchical TiO2 (H-TiO2) nanorod arrays (NRAs) composed of single-crystalline nanorods and nanocrystals were finely designed and successfully constructed for electrochromic (EC) application. By combining layer-by-layer (LBL) method and hydrothermal crystallization technique, the superfine nanocrystals (5-7 nm), which can provide abundant active sites and facilitate ion insertion/extraction during EC reactions, were uniformly and conformally assembled on the surface of single-crystalline TiO2 (SC-TiO2) NRAs. The as-formed H-TiO2 NRAs integrate the advantages of one-dimensional NRAs with fast kinetics and superfine nanocrystals with high ion capacity, showing highly enhanced EC performance. Large optical contrast (40.3%), shorter coloring/bleaching time (22/4 s), high coloration efficiency (11.2 cm2 C-1), and excellent cycling stability can be achieved in H-TiO2 NRAs, superior to the pristine SC-TiO2 NRAs and nanocrystalline TiO2 films. This work provides a feasible and well-designed strategy to explore high-performance materials for EC application.

Very low-refractive-index optical thin films consisting of an array of SiO2 nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xi, J.-Q.; Kim, Jong Kyu; Schubert, E. F.; Ye, Dexian; Lu, T.-M.; Lin, Shawn-Yu; Juneja, Jasbir S.

2006-03-01

The refractive-index contrast in dielectric multilayer structures, optical resonators, and photonic crystals is an important figure of merit that creates a strong demand for high-quality thin films with a low refractive index. A SiO2 nanorod layer with low refractive index of n=1.08, to our knowledge the lowest ever reported in thin-film materials, is grown by oblique-angle electron-beam deposition of SiO2. A single-pair distributed Bragg reflector employing a SiO2 nanorod layer is demonstrated to have enhanced reflectivity, showing the great potential of low-refractive-index films for applications in photonic structures and devices.

Real-Time Plasmonic Monitoring of Single Gold Amalgam Nanoalloy Electrochemical Formation and Stripping.

PubMed

Wang, Jun-Gang; Fossey, John S; Li, Meng; Xie, Tao; Long, Yi-Tao

2016-03-01

Direct electrodeposition of mercury onto gold nanorods on an ITO substrate, without reducing agents, is reported. The growth of single gold amalgam nanoalloy particles and subsequent stripping was monitored in real-time monitoring by plasmonic effects and single-nanoparticle dark-field spectroelectrochemistry techniques. Time-dependent scattering spectral information conferred insight into the growth and stripping mechanism of a single nanoalloy particle. Four critical stages were observed: First, rapid deposition of Hg atoms onto Au nanorods; second, slow diffusion of Hg atoms into Au nanorods; third, prompt stripping of Hg atoms from Au nanorods; fourth, moderate diffusion from the inner core of Au nanorods. Under high Hg(2+) concentrations, homogeneous spherical gold amalgam nanoalloys were obtained. These results demonstrate that the morphology and composition of individual gold amalgam nanoalloys can be precisely regulated electrochemically. Moreover, gold amalgam nanoalloys with intriguing optical properties, such as modulated plasmonic lifetimes and quality factor Q, could be obtained. This may offer opportunities to extend applications in photovoltaic energy conversion and chemical sensing.

Anisotropic growth and formation mechanism investigation of 1D ZnO nanorods in spin-coating sol-gel process.

PubMed

Song, Yijian; Zheng, Maojun; Ma, Li; Shen, Wenzhong

2010-01-01

ZnO nanorods are fabricated on glass substrate by spin-coating sol-gel process using non-basic aged solution and annealing. Sample solutions reserved in room temperature for different time (one day, one month, two months and four months) are prepared for the experiment. The morphology study indicates that the aging time has direct influence on the final products. This is verified by the Transmission Electron Microscopy and Photon Correlation Spectroscopy study. Small crystalline nanoparticles would gradually nucleate and aggregate in the sol during the aging process. They act as nucleation site for the secondary crystal growth into nanorods during anneal. Both the size of crystalline particles in the sol and the size of nanorods will grow bigger as the aging time increases. The products' structure and optical property are further studied by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, Photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy. This work also helps to further clarify the formation mechanism of ZnO nanorods by solution-based method.

Chemically stable Au nanorods as probes for sensitive surface enhanced scattering (SERS) analysis of blue BIC ballpoint pens

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alyami, Abeer; Saviello, Daniela; McAuliffe, Micheal A. P.; Cucciniello, Raffaele; Mirabile, Antonio; Proto, Antonio; Lewis, Liam; Iacopino, Daniela

2017-08-01

Au nanorods were used as an alternative to commonly used Ag nanoparticles as Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) probes for identification of dye composition of blue BIC ballpoint pens. When used in combination with Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC), Au nanorod colloids allowed identification of the major dye components of the BIC pen ink, otherwise not identifiable by normal Raman spectroscopy. Thanks to their enhanced chemical stability compared to Ag colloids, Au nanorods provided stable and reproducible SERS signals and allowed easy identification of phthalocyanine and triarylene dyes in the pen ink mixture. These findings were supported by FTIR and MALDI analyses, also performed on the pen ink. Furthermore, the self-assembly of Au nanorods into large area ordered superstructures allowed identification of BIC pen traces. SERS spectra of good intensity and high reproducibility were obtained using Au nanorod vertical arrays, due to the high density of hot spots and morphological reproducibility of these superstructures. These results open the way to the employment of SERS for fast screening analysis and for quantitative analysis of pens and faded pens which are relevant for the fields of forensic and art conservation sciences.

Pt-decorated zinc oxide nanorod arrays with graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets for highly efficient dual-functional gas sensing.

PubMed

Tian, Hailin; Fan, Huiqing; Ma, Jiangwei; Liu, Zhiyong; Ma, Longtao; Lei, Shenhui; Fang, Jiawen; Long, Changbai

2018-01-05

In this work, well-aligned ZnO nanorods were grown on the substrate of exfoliated g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets via a microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis, and then Pt/ZnO/g-C 3 N 4 nanostructures were obtained after the deposition of Pt nanoparticles. The growth of vertically ordered ZnO nanorods was occurred on g-C 3 N 4 nanosheets through the bonding interaction between Zn and N atoms, which was confirmed by XPS, FT-IR data and molecular orbital theory. The Pt/ZnO/g-C 3 N 4 nanostructures sensor exhibited the remarkable sensitivity, selectivity, and fast response/recovery time for air pollutants of ethanol and NO 2 . The application of Pt/ZnO/g-C 3 N 4 nanostructures could be used as a dual-functional gas sensor through the controlled working temperature. Besides, the Pt/ZnO/g-C 3 N 4 nanostructures sensor could be applied to the repeating detection of ethanol and NO 2 in the natural environment. The synergistic effect and improved the separation of electron-hole pairs in Pt/ZnO/g-C 3 N 4 nanostructures had been verified for the gas sensing mechanism. Additionally, Pt/ZnO/g-C 3 N 4 nanostructures revealed the excellent charge carriers transport properties in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), such as the longer electron lifetime (τ n ), higher electron diffusion coefficient (D n ) and bigger effective diffusion length (L n ), which also played an important role for Pt/ZnO/g-C 3 N 4 nanostructures with striking gas sensing activities. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

High-Yield Synthesis and Applications of Anisotropic Gold Nanoparticles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vigderman, Leonid

This work will describe research directed towards the synthesis of anisotropic gold nanoparticles as well as their functionalization and biological applications. The thesis will begin by describing a new technique for the high-yield synthesis of gold nanorods using hydroquinone as a reducing agent. This addresses important limitations of the traditional nanorod synthesis including low yield of gold ions conversion to metallic form and inability to produce rods with longitudinal surface plasmon peak above 850 nm. The use of hydroquinone was also found to improve the synthesis of gold nanowires via the nanorod-seed mediated procedure developed in our lab. The thesis will next present the synthesis of novel starfruitshaped nanorods, mesorods, and nanowires using a modified nanorod-seed mediated procedure. The starfruit particles displayed increased activity as surfaceenhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates as compared to smooth structures. Next, a method for the functionalization of gold nanorods using a cationic thiol, 16-mercaptohexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (MTAB), will be described. By using this thiol, we were able to demonstrate the complete removal of toxic surfactant from the nanorods and were also able to precisely quantify the grafting density of thiol molecules on the nanorod surface through a combination of several analytical techniques. Finally, this thesis will show that MTABfunctionalized nanorods are nontoxic and can be taken up in extremely high numbers into cancer cells. The thesis will conclude by describing the surprising uptake of larger mesorods and nanowires functionalized with MTAB into cells in high quantities.

Preparation of TNAs/NiO p-n heterojunction and their applications in UV photosensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yusoff, M. M.; Mamat, M. H.; Malek, M. F.; Abdullah, M. A. R.; Ismail, A. S.; Saidi, S. A.; Mohamed, R.; Suriani, A. B.; Khusaimi, Z.; Rusop, M.

2018-05-01

A nanocomposite consisted of n-type titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanorod arrays (TNAs) and p-type nickel oxide (NiO) were deposited using a novel facile low-temperature aqueous chemical route (ACR) in a Schott bottle with cap clamps and sol-gel spin coating method, respectively on a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) glass substrate for the application of ultraviolet (UV) photosensor. The p-n heterojunction photosensor exhibited an increase in photocurrent under UV light (365 nm, 750 µW/cm2) at applied reverse bias. The measured UV response also revealed an increase in photocurrent, and dark current with increasing applied reverse bias on the p-n heterojunction. In this study, the fabricated TNAs/NiO composite nanostructures showed potential applications for photosensor based on the steady photocurrent results obtained under UV irradiation

Effect of an Electrochemically Oxidized ZnO Seed Layer on ZnO Nanorods Grown by using Electrodeposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeon, Woosung; Leem, Jae-Young

2018-05-01

ZnO nanorods were prepared on a Si substrate with and without a ZnO seed layer formed by electro-oxidation to investigate the effect of the seed layer on their growth. The ZnO nanorods grown on the ZnO seed layer had top surfaces that were flat whereas those grown without it had rough top surfaces, as observed in field-emission scanning electron microscopy images. In the Xray diffraction analysis, all ZnO nanorods showed preferential orientation with the (002) plane. In the case of ZnO nanorods prepared with a ZnO seed layer, the residual stress decreased, and the full width at half maximum of the ZnO (002) plane peak decreased. The photoluminescence spectra show a strong and narrow near-band-edge emission peak and high near-band-edge emission to deep-level emission peak ratio for the ZnO nanorods prepared with the seed layer. With respect to the photoresponse properties, the ZnO nanorods grown with the ZnO seed layer showed higher responsivity and faster rise/decay curves than those grown without it. Thus, the ZnO seed layer formed by electro-oxidation improves the structural, optical, and photoresponse properties of the ZnO nanorods formed on it. This method could serve as a new route for improving the properties of optoelectronic devices.

Controlled Defects of Zinc Oxide Nanorods for Efficient Visible Light Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol

PubMed Central

Al-Sabahi, Jamal; Bora, Tanujjal; Al-Abri, Mohammed; Dutta, Joydeep

2016-01-01

Environmental pollution from human and industrial activities has received much attention as it adversely affects human health and bio-diversity. In this work we report efficient visible light photocatalytic degradation of phenol using supported zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods and explore the role of surface defects in ZnO on the visible light photocatalytic activity. ZnO nanorods were synthesized on glass substrates using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal process, while the surface defect states were controlled by annealing the nanorods at various temperatures and were characterized by photoluminescence and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for the evaluation of phenol photocatalytic degradation. ZnO nanorods with high surface defects exhibited maximum visible light photocatalytic activity, showing 50% degradation of 10 ppm phenol aqueous solution within 2.5 h, with a degradation rate almost four times higher than that of nanorods with lower surface defects. The mineralization process of phenol during degradation was also investigated, and it showed the evolution of different photocatalytic byproducts, such as benzoquinone, catechol, resorcinol and carboxylic acids, at different stages. The results from this study suggest that the presence of surface defects in ZnO nanorods is crucial for its efficient visible light photocatalytic activity, which is otherwise only active in the ultraviolet region. PMID:28773363

Controlled Defects of Zinc Oxide Nanorods for Efficient Visible Light Photocatalytic Degradation of Phenol.

PubMed

Al-Sabahi, Jamal; Bora, Tanujjal; Al-Abri, Mohammed; Dutta, Joydeep

2016-03-28

Environmental pollution from human and industrial activities has received much attention as it adversely affects human health and bio-diversity. In this work we report efficient visible light photocatalytic degradation of phenol using supported zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods and explore the role of surface defects in ZnO on the visible light photocatalytic activity. ZnO nanorods were synthesized on glass substrates using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal process, while the surface defect states were controlled by annealing the nanorods at various temperatures and were characterized by photoluminescence and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for the evaluation of phenol photocatalytic degradation. ZnO nanorods with high surface defects exhibited maximum visible light photocatalytic activity, showing 50% degradation of 10 ppm phenol aqueous solution within 2.5 h, with a degradation rate almost four times higher than that of nanorods with lower surface defects. The mineralization process of phenol during degradation was also investigated, and it showed the evolution of different photocatalytic byproducts, such as benzoquinone, catechol, resorcinol and carboxylic acids, at different stages. The results from this study suggest that the presence of surface defects in ZnO nanorods is crucial for its efficient visible light photocatalytic activity, which is otherwise only active in the ultraviolet region.

Effect of substrate temperature in the synthesis of BN nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sajjad, M.; Zhang, H. X.; Peng, X. Y.; Feng, P. X.

2011-06-01

Boron nitride (BN) nanostructures were grown on molybdenum discs at different substrate temperatures using the short-pulse laser plasma deposition technique. Large numbers of randomly oriented nanorods of fiber-like structures were obtained. The variation in the length and diameter of the nanorods as a function of the substrate temperature was systematically studied. The surface morphologies of the samples were studied using scanning electron microscopy. Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy confirmed that both the elements boron and nitrogen are dominant in the nanostructure. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) technique was used to analyse BN phases. The XRD peak that appeared at 26° showed the presence of hexagonal BN phase, whereas the peak at 44° was related to cubic BN content in the samples. Raman spectroscopic analysis showed vibrational modes of sp2- and sp3-type bonding in the sample. The Raman spectra agreed well with XRD results.

Low temperature preparation of Ag-doped ZnO nanowire arrays for sensor and light-emitting diode applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lupan, O.; Viana, B.; Cretu, V.; Postica, V.; Adelung, R.; Pauporté, T.

2016-02-01

Transition metal doped-oxide semiconductor nanostructures are important to achieve enhanced and new properties for advanced applications. We describe the low temperature preparation of ZnO:Ag nanowire/nanorod (NW/NR) arrays by electrodeposition at 90 °C. The NWs have been characterized by SEM, EDX, transmittance and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. The integration of Ag in the crystal is shown. Single nanowire/nanorod of ZnO:Ag was integrated in a nanosensor structure leading to new and enhanced properties. The ultraviolet (UV) response of the nanosensor was investigated at room temperature. Experimental results indicate that ZnO:Ag (0.75 μM) nanosensor possesses faster response/recovery time and better response to UV light than those reported in literature. The sensor structure has been also shown to give a fast response for the hydrogen detection with improved performances compared to pristine ZnO NWs. ZnO:Ag nanowire/nanorod arrays electrochemically grown on p-type GaN single crystal layer is also shown to act as light emitter in LED structures. The emission wavelength is red-shifted compared to pristine ZnO NW array. At low Ag concentration a single UV-blue emission is found whereas at higher concentration of dopant the emission is broadened and extends up to the red wavelength range. Our study indicates that high quality ZnO:Ag NW/NR prepared at low temperature by electrodeposition can serve as building nanomaterials for new sensors and light emitting diodes (LEDs) structures with low-power consumption.

Effect of Sn doping on structural, mechanical, optical and electrical properties of ZnO nanoarrays prepared by sol-gel and hydrothermal process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agarwal, Manish Baboo; Sharma, Akash; Malaidurai, M.; Thangavel, R.

2018-05-01

Undoped and Sn doped Zinc oxide nanorods were prepared by two step process: initially growth of seed layers by sol-gel spin coating technique and then zinc oxide nanorods by hydrothermal process using the precursors zinc nitrate hexahydrate, hexamine and tin chloride. The effects on the electrical, optical, mechanical and structural properties for various Sn concentrations were studied. The crystalline phase determination from X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms that Sn doped ZnO nanorods have hexagonal wurtzite structure. The variations of stress and strain with different doping concentration of Sn in ZnO nanorods were studied. The doping effect on electrical properties and optical bandgap is estimated by current voltage characteristics and absorbance spectra respectively. The surface morphology was studied with field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), which shows that the formation of hexagonal nanorods arrays with increasing Sn concentration. The calculated value of Young's modulus of elasticity (Y) for all the samples remains same. These results can be used in optoelectronic devices.

Miniaturized pH Sensors Based on Zinc Oxide Nanotubes/Nanorods

PubMed Central

Fulati, Alimujiang; Ali, Syed M.Usman; Riaz, Muhammad; Amin, Gul; Nur, Omer; Willander, Magnus

2009-01-01

ZnO nanotubes and nanorods grown on gold thin film were used to create pH sensor devices. The developed ZnO nanotube and nanorod pH sensors display good reproducibility, repeatability and long-term stability and exhibit a pH-dependent electrochemical potential difference versus an Ag/AgCl reference electrode over a large dynamic pH range. We found the ZnO nanotubes provide sensitivity as high as twice that of the ZnO nanorods, which can be ascribed to the fact that small dimensional ZnO nanotubes have a higher level of surface and subsurface oxygen vacancies and provide a larger effective surface area with higher surface-to-volume ratio as compared to ZnO nanorods, thus affording the ZnO nanotube pH sensor a higher sensitivity. Experimental results indicate ZnO nanotubes can be used in pH sensor applications with improved performance. Moreover, the ZnO nanotube arrays may find potential application as a novel material for measurements of intracellular biochemical species within single living cells. PMID:22291545

Hydrothermally Processed Photosensitive Field-Effect Transistor Based on ZnO Nanorod Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Ashish; Bhargava, Kshitij; Dixit, Tejendra; Palani, I. A.; Singh, Vipul

2016-11-01

Formation of a stable, reproducible zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod-network-based photosensitive field-effect transistor using a hydrothermal process at low temperature has been demonstrated. K2Cr2O7 additive was used to improve adhesion and facilitate growth of the ZnO nanorod network over the SiO2/Si substrate. Transistor characteristics obtained in the dark resemble those of the n-channel-mode field-effect transistor (FET). The devices showed I on/ I off ratio above 8 × 102 under dark condition, field-effect mobility of 4.49 cm2 V-1 s-1, and threshold voltage of -12 V. Further, under ultraviolet (UV) illumination, the FET exhibited sensitivity of 2.7 × 102 in off-state (-10 V) versus 1.4 in on-state (+9.7 V) of operation. FETs based on such nanorod networks showed good photoresponse, which is attributed to the large surface area of the nanorod network. The growth temperature for ZnO nanorod networks was kept at 110°C, enabling a low-temperature, cost-effective, simple approach for high-performance ZnO-based FETs for large-scale production. The role of network interfaces in the FET performance is also discussed.

Study of titania nanorod films deposited by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation as a function of laser fluence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caricato, A. P.; Belviso, M. R.; Catalano, M.; Cesaria, M.; Cozzoli, P. D.; Luches, A.; Manera, M. G.; Martino, M.; Rella, R.; Taurino, A.

2011-11-01

Chemically synthesized brookite titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanorods with average diameter and length dimensions of 3-4 nm and 35-50 nm, respectively, were deposited by the matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation technique. A toluene nanorod solution was frozen at the liquid-nitrogen temperature and irradiated with a KrF excimer laser ( λ=248 nm, τ=20 ns) at the repetition rate of 10 Hz, at different fluences (25 to 350 mJ/cm2). The deposited films were structurally characterized by high-resolution scanning and transmission electron microscopy. <100> single-crystal Si wafers and carbon-coated Cu grids were used as substrates. Structural analyses evidenced the occurrence of brookite-phase crystalline nanospheres coexisting with individually distinguishable TiO2 nanorods in the films deposited at fluences varying from 50 to 350 mJ/cm2. Nanostructured TiO2 films comprising only nanorods were deposited by lowering the laser fluence to 25 mJ/cm2. The observed shape and phase transitions of the nanorods are discussed taking into account the laser-induced heating effects, reduced melting temperature and size-dependent thermodynamic stability of nanoscale TiO2.

Using the plasmon linewidth to calculate the time and efficiency of electron transfer between gold nanorods and graphene.

PubMed

Hoggard, Anneli; Wang, Lin-Yung; Ma, Lulu; Fang, Ying; You, Ge; Olson, Jana; Liu, Zheng; Chang, Wei-Shun; Ajayan, Pulickel M; Link, Stephan

2013-12-23

We present a quantitative analysis of the electron transfer between single gold nanorods and monolayer graphene under no electrical bias. Using single-particle dark-field scattering and photoluminescence spectroscopy to access the homogeneous linewidth, we observe broadening of the surface plasmon resonance for gold nanorods on graphene compared to nanorods on a quartz substrate. Because of the absence of spectral plasmon shifts, dielectric interactions between the gold nanorods and graphene are not important and we instead assign the plasmon damping to charge transfer between plasmon-generated hot electrons and the graphene that acts as an efficient acceptor. Analysis of the plasmon linewidth yields an average electron transfer time of 160 ± 30 fs, which is otherwise difficult to measure directly in the time domain with single-particle sensitivity. In comparison to intrinsic hot electron decay and radiative relaxation, we furthermore calculate from the plasmon linewidth that charge transfer between the gold nanorods and the graphene support occurs with an efficiency of ∼10%. Our results are important for future applications of light harvesting with metal nanoparticle plasmons and efficient hot electron acceptors as well as for understanding hot electron transfer in plasmon-assisted chemical reactions.

Efficient reduction of defects in (1120) non-polar and (1122) semi-polar GaN grown on nanorod templates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bai, J.; Gong, Y.; Xing, K.

2013-03-11

(1120) non-polar and (1122) semi-polar GaNs with a low defect density have been achieved by means of an overgrowth on nanorod templates, where a quick coalescence with a thickness even below 1 {mu}m occurs. On-axis and off-axis X-ray rocking curve measurements have shown a massive reduction in the linewidth for our overgrown GaN in comparison with standard GaN films grown on sapphire substrates. Transmission electron microscope observation demonstrates that the overgrowth on the nanorod templates takes advantage of an omni-directional growth around the sidewalls of the nanostructures. The dislocations redirect in basal planes during the overgrowth, leading to their annihilationmore » and termination at voids formed due to a large lateral growth rate. In the non-polar GaN, the priority <0001> lateral growth from vertical sidewalls of nanorods allows basal plane stacking faults (BSFs) to be blocked in the nanorod gaps; while for semi-polar GaN, the propagation of BSFs starts to be impeded when the growth front is changed to be along inclined <0001> direction above the nanorods.« less

Polyethylene glycol assisted growth of Sn-doped ZnO nanorod arrays prepared via sol-gel immersion method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ismail, A. S.; Mamat, M. H.; Malek, M. F.; Saidi, S. A.; Yusoff, M. M.; Mohamed, R.; Sin, N. D. Md; Suriani, A. B.; Rusop, M.

2018-05-01

Tin-doped zinc oxide (SZO) nanorod films at different concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG) were successfully deposited on zinc oxide (ZnO) seeded layer catalyst using sol-gel immersion method. The morphology of the samples were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), optical properties using UV-Vis spectrophotometer and electrical properties using I-V measurement system. The current-voltage (I-V) characteristics displayed that 5 wt % sample produced the highest conductivity.

Heterostructured TiO2/NiTiO3 Nanorod Arrays for Inorganic Sensitized Solar Cells with Significantly Enhanced Photovoltaic Performance and Stability.

PubMed

Li, Yue-Ying; Wang, Jian-Gan; Sun, Huan-Huan; Wei, Bingqing

2018-04-11

Organic dyes used in the conventional dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) suffer from poor light stability and high cost. In this work, we demonstrate a new inorganic sensitized solar cell based on ordered one-dimensional semiconductor nanorod arrays of TiO 2 /NiTiO 3 (NTO) heterostructures prepared via a facile two-step hydrothermal approach. The semiconductor heterostructure arrays are highly desirable and promising for DSSCs because of their direct charge transport capability and slow charge recombination rate. The low-cost NTO inorganic semiconductor possesses an appropriate band gap that matches well with TiO 2 , which behaves like a "dye" to enable efficient light harvesting and fast electron-hole separation. The solar cells constructed by the ordered TiO 2 /NTO heterostructure photoanodes show a significantly improved power conversion efficiency, high fill factor, and more promising, outstanding life stability. The present work will open up an avenue to design heterostructured inorganics for high-performance solar cells.

Ion-beam assisted laser fabrication of sensing plasmonic nanostructures

PubMed Central

Kuchmizhak, Aleksandr; Gurbatov, Stanislav; Vitrik, Oleg; Kulchin, Yuri; Milichko, Valentin; Makarov, Sergey; Kudryashov, Sergey

2016-01-01

Simple high-performance, two-stage hybrid technique was developed for fabrication of different plasmonic nanostructures, including nanorods, nanorings, as well as more complex structures on glass substrates. In this technique, a thin noble-metal film on a dielectric substrate is irradiated by a single tightly focused nanosecond laser pulse and then the modified region is slowly polished by an accelerated argon ion (Ar+) beam. As a result, each nanosecond laser pulse locally modifies the initial metal film through initiation of fast melting and subsequent hydrodynamic processes, while the following Ar+-ion polishing removes the rest of the film, revealing the hidden topography features and fabricating separate plasmonic structures on the glass substrate. We demonstrate that the shape and lateral size of the resulting functional plasmonic nanostructures depend on the laser pulse energy and metal film thickness, while subsequent Ar+-ion polishing enables to vary height of the resulting nanostructures. Plasmonic properties of the fabricated nanostructures were characterized by dark-field micro-spectroscopy, Raman and photoluminescence measurements performed on single nanofeatures, as well as by supporting numerical calculations of the related electromagnetic near-fields and Purcell factors. The developed simple two-stage technique represents a new step towards direct large-scale laser-induced fabrication of highly ordered arrays of complex plasmonic nanostructures. PMID:26776569

Fabrication of nickel hydroxide electrodes with open-ended hexagonal nanotube arrays for high capacitance supercapacitors.

PubMed

Wu, Mao-Sung; Huang, Kuo-Chih

2011-11-28

A nickel hydroxide electrode with open-ended hexagonal nanotube arrays, prepared by hydrolysis of nickel chloride in the presence of hexagonal ZnO nanorods, shows a very high capacitance of 1328 F g(-1) at a discharge current density of 1 A g(-1) due to the significantly improved ion transport.

Light-Addressable Potentiometric Sensors using ZnO Nanorods as the Sensor Substrate for Bioanalytical Applications.

PubMed

Tu, Ying; Ahmad, Norlaily; Briscoe, Joe; Zhang, De-Wen; Krause, Steffi

2018-06-22

Light-addressable potentiometric sensors (LAPS) are of great interest in bioimaging applications such as the monitoring of concentrations in microfluidic channels or the investigation of metabolic and signaling events in living cells. By measuring the photocurrents at electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS) and electrolyte-semiconductor structures, LAPS can produce spatiotemporal images of chemical or biological analytes, electrical potentials and impedance. However, its commercial applications are often restricted by their limited AC photocurrents and resolution of LAPS images. Herein, for the first time, the use of 1D semiconducting oxides in the form of ZnO nanorods for LAPS imaging is explored to solve this issue. A significantly increased AC photocurrent with enhanced image resolution has been achieved based on ZnO nanorods, with a photocurrent of 45.7 ± 0.1 nA at a light intensity of 0.05 mW, a lateral resolution as low as 3.0 μm as demonstrated by images of a PMMA dot on ZnO nanorods and a pH sensitivity of 53 mV/pH. The suitability of the device for bioanalysis and bioimaging was demonstrated by monitoring the degradation of a thin poly(ester amide) film with the enzyme α-chymotrypsin using LAPS. This simple and robust route to fabricate LAPS substrates with excellent performance would provide tremendous opportunities for bioimaging.

Binder-free ZnO@ZnSnO3 quantum dots core-shell nanorod array anodes for lithium-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tan, Hsiang; Cho, Hsun-Wei; Wu, Jih-Jen

2018-06-01

In this work, ZnSnO3 quantum dots (QDs), instead of commonly used conductive carbon, are grown on the ZnO nanorod (NR) array to construct the binder-free ZnO@ZnSnO3 QDs core-shell NR array electrode on carbon cloth for lithium-ion battery. The ZnO@ZnSnO3 QDs core-shell NR array electrode exhibits excellent lithium storage performance with an improved cycling performance and superior rate capability compared to the ZnO NR array electrode. At a current density of 200 mAg-1, 15.8% capacity loss is acquired in the ZnO@ZnSnO3 QDs core-shell NR array electrode after 110 cycles with capacity retention of 1073 mAhg-1. Significant increases in reversible capacities from 340 to 545 mAhg-1 and from 95 to 390 mAhg-1 at current densities of 1000 and 2000 mAg-1, respectively, are achieved as the ZnO NR arrays are coated with the ZnSnO3 QD shells. The remarkably improved electrochemical performances result from that the configuration of binder-free ZnO@ZnSnO3 QDs core-shell NR array electrode not only facilitates the charge transfer through the solid electrolyte interface and the electronic/ionic conduction boundary as well as lithium ion diffusion but also effectively accommodates the volume change during repeated charge/discharge processes.

Omnidirectional anti-reflection properties of vertically align SiO2 nanorod films prepared by electron beam evaporation with glancing angle deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Prachachet, R.; Samransuksamer, B.; Horprathum, M.; Eiamchai, P.; Limwichean, S.; Chananonnawathorn, C.; Lertvanithphol, T.; Muthitamongkol, P.; Boonruang, S.; Buranasiri, P.

2018-03-01

Omnidirectional anti-reflection coating nanostructure film have attracted enormous attention for the developments of the optical coating, lenses, light emitting diode, display and photovoltaic. However, fabricated of the omnidirectional antireflection nanostructure film on glass substrate in large area was a challenge topic. In the past two decades, the invention of glancing angle deposition technique as a growth of well-controlled two and three-dimensional morphologies has gained significant attention because of it is simple, fast, cost-effective and high mass production capability. In this present work, the omnidirectional anti-reflection nanostructure coating namely silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanorods has been investigated for optimized high transparent layer at all light incident angle. The SiO2 nanorod films of an optimally low refractive index have been fabricated by electron beam evaporation with the glancing angle deposition technique. The morphological of the prepared sampled were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). The optical transmission and omnidirectional property of the SiO2 nanorod films were investigated by UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer. The measurement were performed at normal incident angle and a full spectral range of 200 - 2000 nm. The angle dependent transmission measure were investigated by rotating the specimen, with incidence angle defined relative to the surface normal of the prepared samples. The morphological characterization results showed that when the glancing angle deposition technique was applied, the vertically align SiO2 nanorods with partially isolated columnar structure can be constructed due to the enhanced shadowing and limited addtom diffusion effect. The average transmission of the vertically align SiO2 nanorods were higher than the glass substrate reference sample over the visible wavelength range at all incident angle due to the transition in the refractive index profile from air to the nanostructure layer that improved the anti-reflection characteristics.

Ti nanorod arrays with a medium density significantly promote osteogenesis and osteointegration

PubMed Central

Ning, Chengyun; Wang, Shuangying; Zhu, Ye; Zhong, Meiling; Lin, Xi; Zhang, Yu; Tan, Guoxin; Li, Mei; Yin, Zhaoyi; Yu, Peng; Wang, Xiaolan; Li, Ying; He, Tianrui; Chen, Wei; Wang, Yingjun; Mao, Chuanbin

2016-01-01

Ti implants are good candidates in bone repair. However, how to promote bone formation on their surface and their consequent perfect integration with the surrounding tissue is still a challenge. To overcome such challenge, we propose to form Ti nanorods on their surface to promote the new bone formation around the implants. Here Ti nanorod arrays (TNrs) with different densities were produced on pure Ti surfaces using an anodizing method. The influence of TNr density on the protein adsorption as well as on the adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblastic cells were assessed. The TNrs were also implanted into the bone defects in rabbits to test their application in promoting bone formation and osteointegration at the implant-bone interface. TNrs with the medium density were found to show the best capability in promoting the protein adsorption from surrounding medium, which in turn efficiently enhanced osteogenic differentiation in vitro and osteointegration in vivo. Our work suggests that growing TNrs with a medium density on the surface of traditional Ti implants is an efficient and facile method for promoting bone formation and osteointegration in bone repair. PMID:26743328

Perovskite nanoparticle-sensitized Ga 2O 3 nanorod arrays for CO detection at high temperature

DOE PAGES

Lin, Hui -Jan; Baltrus, John P.; Gao, Haiyong; ...

2016-04-04

Here, noble metal nanoparticles are extensively used for sensitizing metal oxide chemical sensors through the catalytic spillover mechanism. However, due to earth-scarcity and high cost of noble metals, finding replacements presents a great economic benefit. Besides, high temperature and harsh environment sensor applications demand material stability under conditions approaching thermal and chemical stability limits of noble metals. In this study, we employed thermally stable perovskite-type La 0.8Sr 0.2FeO 3 (LSFO) nanoparticle surface decoration on Ga 2O 3 nanorod array gas sensors and discovered an order of magnitude enhanced sensitivity to carbon monoxide at 500 °C. The LSFO nanoparticle catalysts wasmore » of comparable performance to that achieved by Pt nanoparticles, with a much lower weight loading than Pt. Detailed electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies suggested the LSFO nanoparticle sensitization effect is attributed to a spillover-like effect associated with the gas-LSFO-Ga 2O 3 triple-interfaces that spread the negatively charged surface oxygen ions from LSFO nanoparticles surfaces over to β-Ga 2O 3 nanorod surfaces with faster surface CO oxidation reactions.« less

Perovskite Nanoparticle-Sensitized Ga2O3 Nanorod Arrays for CO Detection at High Temperature.

PubMed

Lin, Hui-Jan; Baltrus, John P; Gao, Haiyong; Ding, Yong; Nam, Chang-Yong; Ohodnicki, Paul; Gao, Pu-Xian

2016-04-13

Noble metal nanoparticles are extensively used for sensitizing metal oxide chemical sensors through the catalytic spillover mechanism. However, due to earth-scarcity and high cost of noble metals, finding replacements presents a great economic benefit. Besides, high temperature and harsh environment sensor applications demand material stability under conditions approaching thermal and chemical stability limits of noble metals. In this study, we employed thermally stable perovskite-type La(0.8)Sr(0.2)FeO3 (LSFO) nanoparticle surface decoration on Ga2O3 nanorod array gas sensors and discovered an order of magnitude enhanced sensitivity to carbon monoxide at 500 °C. The LSFO nanoparticle catalysts was of comparable performance to that achieved by Pt nanoparticles, with a much lower weight loading than Pt. Detailed electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies suggested the LSFO nanoparticle sensitization effect is attributed to a spillover-like effect associated with the gas-LSFO-Ga2O3 triple-interfaces that spread the negatively charged surface oxygen ions from LSFO nanoparticles surfaces over to β-Ga2O3 nanorod surfaces with faster surface CO oxidation reactions.

Ti nanorod arrays with a medium density significantly promote osteogenesis and osteointegration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ning, Chengyun; Wang, Shuangying; Zhu, Ye; Zhong, Meiling; Lin, Xi; Zhang, Yu; Tan, Guoxin; Li, Mei; Yin, Zhaoyi; Yu, Peng; Wang, Xiaolan; Li, Ying; He, Tianrui; Chen, Wei; Wang, Yingjun; Mao, Chuanbin

2016-01-01

Ti implants are good candidates in bone repair. However, how to promote bone formation on their surface and their consequent perfect integration with the surrounding tissue is still a challenge. To overcome such challenge, we propose to form Ti nanorods on their surface to promote the new bone formation around the implants. Here Ti nanorod arrays (TNrs) with different densities were produced on pure Ti surfaces using an anodizing method. The influence of TNr density on the protein adsorption as well as on the adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblastic cells were assessed. The TNrs were also implanted into the bone defects in rabbits to test their application in promoting bone formation and osteointegration at the implant-bone interface. TNrs with the medium density were found to show the best capability in promoting the protein adsorption from surrounding medium, which in turn efficiently enhanced osteogenic differentiation in vitro and osteointegration in vivo. Our work suggests that growing TNrs with a medium density on the surface of traditional Ti implants is an efficient and facile method for promoting bone formation and osteointegration in bone repair.

Insights Into the Solution Crystallization of Oriented Alq3 and Znq2 Microprisms and Nanorods.

PubMed

Boulet, Joel; Mohammadpour, Arash; Shankar, Karthik

2015-09-01

Optimized solution-based methods to grow high quality micro- and nanocrystals of organic semi-conductors with defined size, shape and orientation are important to a variety of optoelectronic applications. In this context, we report the growth of single crystal micro- and nanostructures of the organic semiconductors Tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum (Alq3) and bis(8-hydroxyquinoline)zinc (Znq2) terminating in flat crystal planes using a combination of evaporative and antisolvent crystallization. By controlling substrate-specific nucleation and optimizing the conditions of growth, we generate vertically-oriented hexagonal prism arrays of Alq3, and vertical half-disks and sharp-edged rectangular prisms of Znq2. The effect of process variables such as ambient vapour pressure, choice of anti-solvent and temperature on the morphology and crystal habit of the nanostructures were studied and the results of varying them catalogued to gain a better understanding of the mechanism of growth.

Nanostructured ZnO films with various morphologies prepared by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and its growing process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, H. L.; Liu, Z. W.; Zeng, D. C.; Zhong, M. L.; Yu, H. Y.; Mikmekova, E.

2013-10-01

Nanostructured ZnO films were prepared by the ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method using Zn(CH3COO)2·2H2O as a precursor. The effects of substrate temperature (Ts) on the morphology and properties were systematically studied. As the Ts increased from 430 °C to 610 °C, the morphology of the film transforms from closed packed nanosheets to dense nanocrystalline film and then to hexagonal nanorod array. The dense film formed at a temperature of 550 °C has the lowest electric resistivity and highest carrier concentration. The optical transmittance for all prepared samples was higher than 90%. The photoluminescence (PL) properties varied with the Ts due to the internal defect difference. The growth mechanism of ZnO film involves island growth and diffusion, which was evident by observing the samples prepared at various times.

Layered-metal-hydroxide nanosheet arrays with controlled nanostructures to assist direct electronic communication at biointerfaces.

PubMed

An, Zhe; Lu, Shan; Zhao, Liwei; He, Jing

2011-10-18

In this work, ordered vertical arrays of layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheets have been developed to achieve electron transfer (eT) at biointerfaces in electrochemical devices. It is found that tailoring the gap size of LDH nanosheet arrays could significantly promote the eT rate. This research has successfully extended nanomaterials for efficient modifications of electrode surfaces from nanoparticles, nanowires, nanorods, and nanotubes to nanosheets. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Confinement and Ordering of Au Nanorods in Polymer Films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hore, Michael J. A.; Mills, Eric; Liu, Yu; Composto, Russell J.

2009-03-01

Ordered arrays of gold nanorods (Au NRs) possess interesting optical properties that might be utilized in future devices. Au NRs functionalized with a poly(ethylene glycol)-thiol brush are incorporated into homopolymer or block copolymer (BCP) films. NR distribution and orientational correlations are studied as a function of nanorod concentration and spacial confinement via Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. In particular, differences in the degree of nanorod ordering are presented for PMMA homopolymer films (d ˜ 45 nm) versus PS-b-PMMA BCP films (L/2 ˜ 40 nm), where higher ordering is seen in the case of BCP films. At moderate volume fractions of NRs, φ = 1% to 10%, the degree of ordering is moderate, and increases with increasing φ . However, coexistence between regions of higher ordering and isotropic orientations is observed. In addition to the planar confinement considered above, orientation of Au NRs confined to cylindrical P2VP domains is studied in PS-b-P2VP BCP films.

Superior environment resistance of quartz crystal microbalance with anatase TiO2/ZnO nanorod composite films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiang, Wei; Wei, Li; Shaodan, Wang; Yu, Bai

2015-08-01

The precise measurement of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) in the detection and weighing of organic gas molecules is achieved due to excellent superhydrophobicity of a deposited film composite. Photocatalysis is utilized as a method for the self-cleaning of organic molecules on the QCM for extended long-term stability in the precision of the instrument. In this paper, ZnO nanorod array is prepared via in situ methods on the QCM coated with Au film via hydrothermal process. Subsequently, a TiO2/ZnO composite film is synthesized by surface modification with TiO2 via sol-gel methods. Results show the anatase TiO2/ZnO nanorod composite film with a sharp, pencil-like structure exhibiting excellent superhydrophobicity (water contact angle of 155°), non-sticking water properties, and an autonomous cleaning property under UV irradiation. The anatase TiO2/ZnO nanorod composite film facilitates the precise measurement and extended lifetime of the QCM for the detection of organic gas molecules.

Ultrasensitive Characterization of Mechanical Oscillations and Plasmon Energy Shift in Gold Nanorods.

PubMed

Soavi, Giancarlo; Tempra, Iacopo; Pantano, Maria F; Cattoni, Andrea; Collin, Stéphane; Biagioni, Paolo; Pugno, Nicola M; Cerullo, Giulio

2016-02-23

Mechanical vibrational resonances in metal nanoparticles are intensively studied because they provide insight into nanoscale elasticity and for their potential application to ultrasensitive mass detection. In this paper, we use broadband femtosecond pump-probe spectroscopy to study the longitudinal acoustic phonons of arrays of gold nanorods with different aspect ratios, fabricated by electron beam lithography with very high size uniformity. We follow in real time the impulsively excited extensional oscillations of the nanorods by measuring the transient shift of the localized surface plasmon band. Broadband and high-sensitivity detection of the time-dependent extinction spectra enables one to develop a model that quantitatively describes the periodic variation of the plasmon extinction coefficient starting from the steady-state spectrum with only one additional free parameter. This model allows us to retrieve the time-dependent elongation of the nanorods with an ultrahigh sensitivity and to measure oscillation amplitudes of just a few picometers and plasmon energy shifts on the order of 10(-2) meV.

Enhancement of UV photodetector properties of ZnO nanorods/PEDOT:PSS Schottky junction by NGQD sensitization along with conductivity improvement of PEDOT:PSS by DMSO additive

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dhar, Saurab; Majumder, Tanmoy; Chakraborty, Pinak; Mondal, Suvra Prakash

2018-04-01

Schottky junction ultraviolet (UV) photodetector was fabricated by spin coating a hole conducting polymer, poly 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene: polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) on hydrothermally grown zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod arrays. The UV detector performance was significantly improved two step process. Firstly, ZnO nanorods were modified by sensitizing N doped grapheme quantum dots (NGQDs) for better photoresponce behavior. Afterwards, the junction properties as well as photoresponse was enhanced by modifying electrical conductivity of PEDOT:PSS layer with organic solvent (DMSO). Our NGQD decorated ZnO NRs/DMSO-PEDOT:PSS Schottky junction device demonstrated superior external quantum efficiency (EQE ˜ 90063 %) and responsivity (Rλ˜247 A/W) at 340 nm wavelength and -1V external bias. The response and recovery times of the final photodetector device was very fast compared to GQD as well as NGQD modified and pristine ZnO nanorod based detectors.

Metal cluster's effect on the optical properties of cesium bromide thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Kuldeep; Arun, P.; Ravi Kant, Chhaya; Juluri, Bala Krishna

2012-06-01

Cesium bromide (CsBr) films grown on glass substrates by thermal evaporation showed prominent absorption peaks in the UV-visible region. Interestingly, these absorption spectra showed peaks which red shifted over time in ambient exposure. Structural and morphological studies suggested decrease in particle size overtime which was unusual. Electron micrographs show the formation of "daughter" cesium nanorods from parent CsBr particles. Theoretical calculations show the optical behavior observed to be due to localized surface plasmon resonance resulting from cesium nanorods.

Enzymatic glucose detection using ZnO nanorods on the gate region of AlGaN /GaN high electron mobility transistors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, B. S.; Wang, H. T.; Ren, F.; Pearton, S. J.; Morey, T. E.; Dennis, D. M.; Johnson, J. W.; Rajagopal, P.; Roberts, J. C.; Piner, E. L.; Linthicum, K. J.

2007-12-01

ZnO nanorod-gated AlGaN /GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) are demonstrated for the detection of glucose. A ZnO nanorod array was selectively grown on the gate area using low temperature hydrothermal decomposition to immobilize glucose oxidase (GOx). The one-dimensional ZnO nanorods provide a large effective surface area with high surface-to-volume ratio and provide a favorable environment for the immobilization of GOx. The AlGaN /GaN HEMT drain-source current showed a rapid response of less than 5s when target glucose in a buffer with a pH value of 7.4 was added to the GOx immobilized on the ZnO nanorod surface. We could detect a wide range of concentrations from 0.5nMto125μM. The sensor exhibited a linear range from 0.5nMto14.5μM and an experiment limit of detection of 0.5nM. This demonstrates the possibility of using AlGaN /GaN HEMTs for noninvasive exhaled breath condensate based glucose detection of diabetic application.

Optoacoustic response of gold nanorods in soft phantoms using high-power diode laser assemblies at 870 and 905 nm.

PubMed

Leggio, L; Gawali, S; Gallego, D; Rodríguez, S; Sánchez, M; Carpintero, G; Lamela, H

2017-03-01

In the present paper we show the optoacoustic (OA) response of two solutions of gold nanorods dispersed in distilled water (0.8 mg/ml) and hosted in tissue-like phantoms by using small arrays of HPDLs at 870 and 905 nm as excitation sources. The HPDLs are coupled to a 7-to-1 optical fiber bundle with output diameter of 675 μm. Each solution of gold nanorods exhibits an absorption peak close to the operating wavelength, i.e. ~860 nm and ~900 nm, respectively, to optimize the generation of OA signals. The phantoms are made of agar, intralipid and hemoglobin to simulate a soft biological tissue with reduced properties of scattering. Three 3-mm diameter tubes done in the phantoms at different depths (0.9 cm, 1.8 cm, and 2.7 cm) have been filled with gold nanorods. In this way, OA signals with appreciable SNR are generated at different depths in the phantoms. The high OA response exhibited by gold nanorods suggests their application in OA spectroscopy as exogenous contrast agents to detect and monitor emerging diseases like metastasis and arteriosclerotic plaques.

Study on Locally Confined Deposition of Si Nanocrystals in High-Aspect-Ratio Si Nano-Pillar Arrays for Nano-Electronic and Nano-Photonic Applications II

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-12-03

photoluminescence characteristics of equivalent-size controlled silicon quantum dots by employing a nano-porous aluminum oxide membrane as the template for growing...synthesis of Si quantum dots (Si-QDs) embedded in low-temperature (500oC) annealed Si-rich SiOx nano-rod deposited in nano-porous anodic aluminum oxide ...characteristics of the equivalent-size controlled Si-QDs by employing the nano-porous AAO membrane as the template for growing Si-rich SiOx nano-rods

Effect of substrate preheating on the photovoltaic performance of ZnO nanorod-based perovskite solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wei-Shuo; Lin, Tsyr-Rou; Yang, Hsiu-Ting; Li, Yu-Ren; Chuang, Kai-Chi; Li, Yi-Shao; Luo, Jun-Dao; Hus, Chain-Shu; Cheng, Huang-Chung

2018-06-01

In this study, zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO-NRs) grown via a low-temperature hydrothermal growth process are used as the electron transport layer (ETL) owing to their low temperature process and three-dimensional structure, which increases the surface area and thereby improves photovoltaic performance. To further improve the performance of solar cells, substrate preheating before spin-coating PbI2 and perovskite films was conducted. With the increase in preheating temperature, the grain size, surface uniformity, and crystallinity of perovskite increased. Consequently, the photovoltaic performances of the devices with 150-nm-long ZnO-NRs and substrate preheating at 150 °C showed an optimum open-circuit voltage (V oc) of 0.84 V, a short-circuit current (J sc) of 21.43 mA/cm2, a fill factor (FF) of 57.42%, and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 10.34% owing to the superior quality of the perovskite films having smooth surfaces with fewer pinholes.

Selective area growth of N-polar GaN nanorods by plasma-assisted MBE on micro-cone-patterned c-sapphire substrates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jmerik, V. N.; Kuznetsova, N. V.; Nechaev, D. V.; Shubina, T. V.; Kirilenko, D. A.; Troshkov, S. I.; Davydov, V. Yu.; Smirnov, A. N.; Ivanov, S. V.

2017-11-01

The site-controlled selective area growth of N-polar GaN nanorods (NR) was developed by plasma-assisted MBE (PA MBE) on micro-cone-patterned sapphire substrates (μ-CPSS) by using a two-stage growth process. A GaN nucleation layer grown by migration enhanced epitaxy provides the best selectivity for nucleation of NRs on the apexes of 3.5-μm-diameter cones, whereas the subsequent growth of 1-μm-high NRs with a constant diameter of about 100 nm proceeds by standard high-temperature PA MBE at nitrogen-rich conditions. These results are explained by anisotropy of the surface energy for GaN of different polarity and crystal orientation. The InGaN single quantum wells inserted in the GaN NRs grown on the μ-CPSS demonstrate photoluminescence at 510 nm with a spatially periodic variation of its intensity with a period of ∼6 μm equal to that of the substrate patterning profile.

Aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition of gas sensitive SnO2 and Au-functionalised SnO2 nanorods via a non-catalysed vapour solid (VS) mechanism

PubMed Central

Vallejos, Stella; Selina, Soultana; Annanouch, Fatima Ezahra; Gràcia, Isabel; Llobet, Eduard; Blackman, Chris

2016-01-01

Tin oxide nanorods (NRs) are vapour synthesised at relatively lower temperatures than previously reported and without the need for substrate pre-treatment, via a vapour-solid mechanism enabled using an aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition method. Results demonstrate that the growth of SnO2 NRs is promoted by a compression of the nucleation rate parallel to the substrate and a decrease of the energy barrier for growth perpendicular to the substrate, which are controlled via the deposition conditions. This method provides both single-step formation of the SnO2 NRs and their integration with silicon micromachined platforms, but also allows for in-situ functionalization of the NRs with gold nanoparticles via co-deposition with a gold precursor. The functional properties are demonstrated for gas sensing, with microsensors using functionalised NRs demonstrating enhanced sensing properties towards H2 compared to those based on non-functionalised NRs. PMID:27334232

The role of Mg dopant on the morphological, structural and optical properties of Mg doped zinc oxide grown through hydrothermal method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Susetyo, P.; Fauzia, V.; Sugihartono, I.

2017-04-01

ZnO nanorods is a low cost II-VI semiconductor compound with huge potential to be applied in optoelectronic devices i.e. light emitting diodes, solar cells, gas sensor, spintronic devices and lasers. In order to improve the electrical and optical properties, group II, III and IV elements were widely investigated as dopand elements on ZnO. In this work, magnesium (Mg) was doped into ZnO nanorods. Samples were prepared firstly by deposition of undoped ZnO seed layer on indium thin oxide coated glass substrates by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method and then followed by the growth of ZnO nanorods doped by three different Mg concentrations by hydrothermal method. Based on the morphological, microstructural and optical characterizations results, it is concluded that the increase of magnesium concentration tends to reduce the diameter of ZnO nanorods, increases the bandgap energy and decreases the UV absorption the luminescence in UV and visible range.

Electrochemical l-Lactic Acid Sensor Based on Immobilized ZnO Nanorods with Lactate Oxidase

PubMed Central

Ibupoto, Zafar Hussain; Ali Shah, Syed Muhammad Usman; Khun, Kimleang; Willander, Magnus

2012-01-01

In this work, fabrication of gold coated glass substrate, growth of ZnO nanorods and potentiometric response of lactic acid are explained. The biosensor was developed by immobilizing the lactate oxidase on the ZnO nanorods in combination with glutaraldehyde as a cross linker for lactate oxidase enzyme. The potentiometric technique was applied for the measuring the output (EMF) response of l-lactic acid biosensor. We noticed that the present biosensor has wide linear detection range of concentration from 1 × 10−4–1 × 100 mM with acceptable sensitivity about 41.33 ± 1.58 mV/decade. In addition, the proposed biosensor showed fast response time less than 10 s, a good selectivity towards l-lactic acid in presence of common interfering substances such as ascorbic acid, urea, glucose, galactose, magnesium ions and calcium ions. The present biosensor based on immobilized ZnO nanorods with lactate oxidase sustained its stability for more than three weeks. PMID:22736960

Electrochemical L-lactic acid sensor based on immobilized ZnO nanorods with lactate oxidase.

PubMed

Ibupoto, Zafar Hussain; Shah, Syed Muhammad Usman Ali; Khun, Kimleang; Willander, Magnus

2012-01-01

In this work, fabrication of gold coated glass substrate, growth of ZnO nanorods and potentiometric response of lactic acid are explained. The biosensor was developed by immobilizing the lactate oxidase on the ZnO nanorods in combination with glutaraldehyde as a cross linker for lactate oxidase enzyme. The potentiometric technique was applied for the measuring the output (EMF) response of l-lactic acid biosensor. We noticed that the present biosensor has wide linear detection range of concentration from 1 × 10(-4)-1 × 10(0) mM with acceptable sensitivity about 41.33 ± 1.58 mV/decade. In addition, the proposed biosensor showed fast response time less than 10 s, a good selectivity towards l-lactic acid in presence of common interfering substances such as ascorbic acid, urea, glucose, galactose, magnesium ions and calcium ions. The present biosensor based on immobilized ZnO nanorods with lactate oxidase sustained its stability for more than three weeks.

Electrodeposition of hierarchical ZnO/Cu{sub 2}O nanorod films for highly efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ren, S. T.; Fan, G. H.; Liang, M. L.

2014-02-14

The development of high-performance visible-light-responsive photocatalytic materials has attracted widespread interest due to their potential applications in the environmental and energy industries. In this work, hierarchical ZnO nanorods films were successfully prepared on the stainless steel mesh substrates via a simple two-step seed-assisted electrodeposition route. Cu{sub 2}O nanoparticles were then electrodeposited on the surface of ZnO nanorods to form the core-shell heterostructure. The synthesized ZnO/Cu{sub 2}O nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and UV-visible spectrophotometer. Due to the branched hierarchical morphologies and core-shell structure, ZnO/Cu{sub 2}O nanomaterials show a prominent visible-light-driven photocatalytic performance under the low-intensitymore » light irradiation (40 mW/cm{sup 2}). The influence of some experimental parameters, such as Cu{sub 2}O loading amount, ZnO morphologies, the substrate type, and the PH of the Cu{sub 2}O precursor solution on ZnO/Cu{sub 2}O photocatalytic performance was evaluated.« less

Construction of porous CuCo2S4 nanorod arrays via anion exchange for high-performance asymmetric supercapacitor.

PubMed

Cheng, Siyi; Shi, Tielin; Chen, Chen; Zhong, Yan; Huang, Yuanyuan; Tao, Xiangxu; Li, Junjie; Liao, Guanglan; Tang, Zirong

2017-07-27

To push the energy density limit of supercapacitors, proper pseudocapacitive materials with favorable nanostructures are urgently pursued. Ternary transition metal sulfides are promising electrode materials due to the better conductivity and higher electrochemical activity in comparison to the single element sulfides and transition metal oxides. In this work, we have successfully synthesized porous CuCo 2 S 4 nanorod array (NRAs) on carbon textile through a stepwise hydrothermal method, including the growth of the Cu-Co precursor nanowire arrays and subsequent conversion into CuCo 2 S 4 NRAs via anion exchange reaction. The CuCo 2 S 4 NRAs electrode exhibits a greatly enhanced specific capacitance and an outstanding cycling stability. Moreover, an asymmetric supercapacitor using the CuCo 2 S 4 NRAs as positive electrode and activated carbon as negative electrode delivers a high energy density of 56.96 W h kg -1 . Such superior performance demonstrate that the CuCo 2 S 4 NRAs are promising materials for future energy storage applications.

High Stability Induced by the TiN/Ti Interlayer in Three-Dimensional Si/Ge Nanorod Arrays as Anode in Micro Lithium Ion Battery.

PubMed

Yue, Chuang; Yu, Yingjian; Wu, Zhenguo; Sun, Shibo; He, Xu; Li, Juntao; Zhao, Libo; Wu, Suntao; Li, Jing; Kang, Junyong; Lin, Liwei

2016-03-01

Three-dimensional (3D) Si/Ge-based micro/nano batteries are promising lab-on-chip power supply sources because of the good process compatibility with integrated circuits and Micro/Nano-Electro-Mechanical System technologies. In this work, the effective interlayer of TiN/Ti thin films were introduced to coat around the 3D Si nanorod (NR) arrays before the amorphous Ge layer deposition as anode in micro/nano lithium ion batteries, thus the superior cycling stability was realized by reason for the restriction of Si activation in this unique 3D matchlike Si/TiN/Ti/Ge NR array electrode. Moreover, the volume expansion properties after the repeated lithium-ion insertion/extraction were experimentally investigated to evidence the superior stability of this unique multilayered Si composite electrode. The demonstration of this wafer-scale, cost-effective, and Si-compatible fabrication for anodes in Li-ion micro/nano batteries provides new routes to configurate more efficient 3D energy storage systems for micro/nano smart semiconductor devices.

Interface induce growth of intermediate layer for bandgap engineering insights into photoelectrochemical water splitting

PubMed Central

Zhang, Jian; Zhang, Qiaoxia; Wang, Lianhui; Li, Xing’ao; Huang, Wei

2016-01-01

A model of interface induction for interlayer growing is proposed for bandgap engineering insights into photocatalysis. In the interface of CdS/ZnS core/shell nanorods, a lamellar solid solution intermediate with uniform thickness and high crystallinity was formed under interface induction process. Merged the novel charge carrier transfer layer, the photocurrent of the core/shell/shell nanorod (css-NR) array was significantly improved to 14.0 mA cm−2 at 0.0 V vs. SCE, nearly 8 times higher than that of the perfect CdS counterpart and incident photon to electron conversion efficiency (IPCE) values above 50% under AM 1.5G irradiation. In addition, this array photoelectrode showed excellent photocatalytic stability over 6000 s. These results suggest that the CdS/Zn1−xCdxS/ZnS css-NR array photoelectrode provides a scalable charge carrier transfer channel, as well as durability, and therefore is promising to be a large-area nanostructured CdS-based photoanodes in photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting system. PMID:27250648

Development of nanostructured and surface modified semiconductors for hybrid organic-inorganic solar cells.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hsu, Julia, W. P.

2008-09-01

Solar energy conversion is increasingly being recognized as one of the principal ways to meet future energy needs without causing detrimental environmental impact. Hybrid organic-inorganic solar cells (SCs) are attracting particular interest due to the potential for low cost manufacturing and for use in new applications, such as consumer electronics, architectural integration and light-weight sensors. Key materials advantages of these next generation SCs over conventional semiconductor SCs are in design opportunities--since the different functions of the SCs are carried out by different materials, there are greater materials choices for producing optimized structures. In this project, we explore the hybrid organic-inorganicmore » solar cell system that consists of oxide, primarily ZnO, nanostructures as the electron transporter and poly-(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) as the light-absorber and hole transporter. It builds on our capabilities in the solution synthesis of nanostructured semiconducting oxide arrays to this photovoltaic (PV) technology. The three challenges in this hybrid material system for solar applications are (1) achieving inorganic nanostructures with critical spacing that matches the exciton diffusion in the polymer, {approx} 10 nm, (2) infiltrating the polymer completely into the dense nanostructure arrays, and (3) optimizing the interfacial properties to facilitate efficient charge transfer. We have gained an understanding and control over growing oriented ZnO nanorods with sub-50 nm diameters and the required rod-to-rod spacing on various substrates. We have developed novel approaches to infiltrate commercially available P3HT in the narrow spacing between ZnO nanorods. Also, we have begun to explore ways to modify the interfacial properties. In addition, we have established device fabrication and testing capabilities at Sandia for prototype devices. Moreover, the control synthesis of ZnO nanorod arrays lead to the development of an efficient anti-reflection coating for multicrystalline Si solar cells. An important component of this project is the collaboration with Dr. Dave Ginley's group at NREL. The NREL efforts, which are funded by NREL's LDRD program, focus on measuring device performance, external quantum efficiency, photoconductance through highly specialized non-contact time-resolved microwave conductivity (TRMC) measurements, and vapor phase deposition of oxide materials. The close collaboration with NREL enables us to enter this competitive field in such short time. Joint publications and presentations have resulted from this fruitful collaboration. To this date, 5 referred journal papers have resulted from this project, with 2 more in preparation. Several invited talks and numerous contributed presentations in international conferences are also noted. Sandia has gained the reputation of being one of forefront research groups on nanostructured hybrid solar cells.« less

Assessment of Anisotropic Semiconductor Nanorod and Nanoplatelet Heterostructures with Polarized Emission for Liquid Crystal Display Technology.

PubMed

Cunningham, Patrick D; Souza, João B; Fedin, Igor; She, Chunxing; Lee, Byeongdu; Talapin, Dmitri V

2016-06-28

Semiconductor nanorods can emit linear-polarized light at efficiencies over 80%. Polarization of light in these systems, confirmed through single-rod spectroscopy, can be explained on the basis of the anisotropy of the transition dipole moment and dielectric confinement effects. Here we report emission polarization in macroscopic semiconductor-polymer composite films containing CdSe/CdS nanorods and colloidal CdSe nanoplatelets. Anisotropic nanocrystals dispersed in polymer films of poly butyl-co-isobutyl methacrylate (PBiBMA) can be stretched mechanically in order to obtain unidirectionally aligned arrays. A high degree of alignment, corresponding to an orientation factor of 0.87, was achieved and large areas demonstrated polarized emission, with the contrast ratio I∥/I⊥ = 5.6, making these films viable candidates for use in liquid crystal display (LCD) devices. To some surprise, we observed significant optical anisotropy and emission polarization for 2D CdSe nanoplatelets with the electronic structure of quantum wells. The aligned nanorod arrays serve as optical funnels, absorbing unpolarized light and re-emitting light from deep-green to red with quantum efficiencies over 90% and high degree of linear polarization. Our results conclusively demonstrate the benefits of anisotropic nanostructures for LCD backlighting. The polymer films with aligned CdSe/CdS dot-in-rod and rod-in-rod nanostructures show more than 2-fold enhancement of brightness compared to the emitter layers with randomly oriented nanostructures. This effect can be explained as the combination of linearly polarized luminescence and directional emission from individual nanostructures.

Enhanced polarization of (11-22) semi-polar InGaN nanorod array structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Athanasiou, M.; Smith, R. M.; Hou, Y.; Zhang, Y.; Gong, Y.; Wang, T.

2015-10-01

By means of a cost effective nanosphere lithography technique, an InGaN/GaN multiple quantum well structure grown on (11-22) semipolar GaN has been fabricated into two dimensional nanorod arrays which form a photonic crystal (PhC) structure. Such a PhC structure demonstrates not only significantly increased emission intensity, but also an enhanced polarization ratio of the emission. This is due to an effective inhibition of the emission in slab modes and then redistribution to the vertical direction, thus minimizing the light scattering processes that lead to randomizing of the optical polarization. The PhC structure is designed based on a standard finite-difference-time-domain simulation, and then optically confirmed by detailed time-resolved photoluminescence measurements. The results presented pave the way for the fabrication of semipolar InGaN/GaN based emitters with both high efficiency and highly polarized emission.

Highly antireflective AlGaN/GaN ultraviolet photodetectors using ZnO nanorod arrays on inverted pyramidal surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

So, Hongyun; Lim, Jongwoo; Suria, Ateeq J.; Senesky, Debbie G.

2017-07-01

Highly antireflective heterostructured aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN)/GaN ultraviolet (UV) photodetectors were demonstrated using a combination of inverted pyramidal surfaces and zinc oxide nanorod arrays (i.e., antireflective surface modification) to enhance the optical sensitivity. The microfabricated hierarchical surfaces significantly reduced the average surface reflectance to less than 0.3% in the UV region and less than 1% in the visible light region, allowing near-perfect absorption of incident light regardless of the angle of incidence (5-80°). As a result, the photodetectors fabricated on highly antireflective AlGaN/GaN surfaces showed higher sensitivity and responsivity over a broad range of incidence angles compared to photodetectors on planar AlGaN/GaN surfaces, supporting the use of a hierarchically modified sensing surface for omnidirectional UV monitoring with higher sensitivity.

High-performance electrochemical glucose sensing enabled by Cu(TCNQ) nanorod array

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Xiufeng; Lu, Wenbo

2018-04-01

It is highly attractive to construct stable enzyme-free glucose sensors based on three-dimensional direct electrochemical detection of glucose. In this paper, a copper 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (Cu(TCNQ)) nanorod array on Cu foam (Cu(TCNQ) NA/CF) is proposed as an efficient catalyst for electrochemical glucose oxidation in alkaline conditions. When Cu(TCNQ) NA/CF was used as the enzyme-free sensory of glucose, the sensor showed a response time within 3 s, a wide linear detection in the range 0.001-10.0 mM, the minimum limit of detection was as low as 10 nM (S/N = 3), and it had a high sensitivity of 26 987 μA mM-1 cm-2. Moreover, this sensor also possesses long-term stability, high selectivity, reproducibility, and actual applications for fresh human serum sample analysis is also successfully accepted.

Ferroelectric nanotraps for polar molecules

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dutta, Omjyoti; Giedke, G.

2018-02-01

We propose and analyze an electrostatic-optical nanoscale trap for cold diatomic polar molecules. The main ingredient of our proposal is a square array of ferroelectric nanorods with alternating polarization. We show that, in contrast to electrostatic traps using the linear Stark effect, a quadratic Stark potential supports long-lived trapped states. The molecules are kept at a fixed height from the nanorods by a standing-wave optical dipole trap. For the molecules and materials considered, we find nanotraps with trap frequency up to 1 MHz, ground-state width ˜20 nm with lattice periodicity of ˜200 nm . Analyzing the loss mechanisms due to nonadiabaticity, surface-induced radiative transitions, and laser-induced transitions, we show the existence of trapped states with lifetime ˜1 s , competitive with current traps created via optical mechanisms. As an application we extend our discussion to a one-dimensional (1D) array of nanotraps to simulate a long-range spin Hamiltonian in our structure.

Pt/Ni(OH)2–NiOOH/Pd multi-walled hollow nanorod arrays as superior electrocatalysts for formic acid electrooxidation† †Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c5sc02544c Click here for additional data file.

PubMed Central

Xu, Han; Ding, Liang-Xin; Feng, Jin-Xian

2015-01-01

The catalytic activity and durability are crucial for the development of high-performance electrocatalysts. To design electrocatalysts with excellent electroactivity and durability, the structure and composition are two important guiding principles. In this work, novel Pt/Ni(OH)2–NiOOH/Pd multi-walled hollow nanorod arrays (MHNRAs) are successfully synthesized. The unique MHNRAs provide fast transport and short diffusion paths for electroactive species and high utilization rate of catalysts. Because of the special surface and synergistic effects, the Pt/Ni(OH)2–NiOOH/Pd MHNRA electrocatalysts exhibit high catalytic activity, high durability and superior CO poisoning tolerance for the electrooxidation of formic acid in comparison with Pt@Pd MHNRAs, commercial Pt/C, Pd/C and PtRu/C catalysts. PMID:28757980

Aligned hierarchical Ag/ZnO nano-heterostructure arrays via electrohydrodynamic nanowire template for enhanced gas-sensing properties.

PubMed

Yin, Zhouping; Wang, Xiaomei; Sun, Fazhe; Tong, Xiaohu; Zhu, Chen; Lv, Qiying; Ye, Dong; Wang, Shuai; Luo, Wei; Huang, YongAn

2017-09-22

Gas sensing performance can be improved significantly by the increase in both the effective gas exposure area and the surface reactivitiy of ZnO nanorods. Here, we propose aligned hierarchical Ag/ZnO nano-heterostructure arrays (h-Ag/ZnO-NAs) via electrohydrodynamic nanowire template, together with a subsequent hydrothermal synthesis and photoreduction reaction. The h-Ag/ZnO-NAs scatter at top for higher specific surface areas with the air, simultaneously contact at root for the electrical conduction. Besides, the ZnO nanorods are uniformly coated with dispersed Ag nanoparticles, resulting in a tremendous enhancement of the surface reactivity. Compared with pure ZnO, such h-Ag/ZnO-NAs exhibit lower electrical resistance and faster responses. Moreover, they demonstrate enhanced NO 2 gas sensing properties. Self-assembly via electrohydrodynamic nanowire template paves a new way for the preparation of high performance gas sensors.

Nonenzymetic glucose sensing using carbon functionalized carbon doped ZnO nanorod arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakraborty, Pinak; Majumder, Tanmoy; Dhar, Saurab; Mondal, Suvra Prakash

2018-04-01

Fabrication of highly sensitive, long stability and low cost glucose sensors are attractive for biomedical applications and food industries. Most of the commercial glucose sensors are based on enzymatic detection which suffers from problems underlying in enzyme activities. Development of high sensitive, enzyme free sensors is a great challenge for next generation glucose sensing applications. In our study Zinc oxide nanorod sensing electrodes have been grown using low cost hydrothermal route and their nonenzymatic glucose sensing properties have been demonstrated with carbon functionalized, carbon doped ZnO nanorods (C-ZnO NRs) in neutral medium (0.1M PBS, pH 7.4) using cyclic voltammetry and amperometry measurements. The C-ZnO NRs electrodes demonstrated glucose sensitivity˜ 13.66 µAmM-1cm-2 in the concentration range 0.7 - 14 mM.

Nanorods on surface of GaN-based thin-film LEDs deposited by post-annealing after photo-assisted chemical etching

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Lung-Chien; Lin, Wun-Wei; Liu, Te-Yu

2017-01-01

This study investigates the optoelectronic characteristics of gallium nitride (GaN)-based thin-film light-emitting diodes (TF-LEDs) that are formed by a two-step transfer process that involves wet etching and post-annealing. In the two-step transfer process, GaN LEDs were stripped from sapphire substrates by the laser lift-off (LLO) method using a KrF laser and then transferred onto ceramic substrates. Ga-K nanorods were formed on the surface of the GaN-based TF-LEDs following photo-assisted chemical etching and photo-enhanced post-annealing at 100 °C for 1 min. As a result, the light output power of GaN-based TF-LEDs with wet etching and post-annealing was over 72% more than that of LEDs that did not undergo these treatments.

Scalable high-power redox capacitors with aligned nanoforests of crystalline MnO₂ nanorods by high voltage electrophoretic deposition.

PubMed

Santhanagopalan, Sunand; Balram, Anirudh; Meng, Dennis Desheng

2013-03-26

It is commonly perceived that reduction-oxidation (redox) capacitors have to sacrifice power density to achieve higher energy density than carbon-based electric double layer capacitors. In this work, we report the synergetic advantages of combining the high crystallinity of hydrothermally synthesized α-MnO2 nanorods with alignment for high performance redox capacitors. Such an approach is enabled by high voltage electrophoretic deposition (HVEPD) technology which can obtain vertically aligned nanoforests with great process versatility. The scalable nanomanufacturing process is demonstrated by roll-printing an aligned forest of α-MnO2 nanorods on a large flexible substrate (1 inch by 1 foot). The electrodes show very high power density (340 kW/kg at an energy density of 4.7 Wh/kg) and excellent cyclability (over 92% capacitance retention over 2000 cycles). Pretreatment of the substrate and use of a conductive holding layer have also been shown to significantly reduce the contact resistance between the aligned nanoforests and the substrates. High areal specific capacitances of around 8500 μF/cm(2) have been obtained for each electrode with a two-electrode device configuration. Over 93% capacitance retention was observed when the cycling current densities were increased from 0.25 to 10 mA/cm(2), indicating high rate capabilities of the fabricated electrodes and resulting in the very high attainable power density. The high performance of the electrodes is attributed to the crystallographic structure, 1D morphology, aligned orientation, and low contact resistance.

The fabrication of white light-emitting diodes using the n-ZnO/NiO/p-GaN heterojunction with enhanced luminescence.

PubMed

Abbasi, Mazhar Ali; Ibupoto, Zafar Hussain; Hussain, Mushtaque; Nur, Omer; Willander, Magnus

2013-07-13

Cheap and efficient white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are of great interest due to the energy crisis all over the world. Herein, we have developed heterojunction LEDs based on the well-aligned ZnO nanorods and nanotubes on the p-type GaN with the insertion of the NiO buffer layer that showed enhancement in the light emission. Scanning electron microscopy have well demonstrated the arrays of the ZnO nanorods and the proper etching into the nanotubes. X-ray diffraction study describes the wurtzite crystal structure array of ZnO nanorods with the involvement of GaN at the (002) peak. The cathodoluminescence spectra represent strong and broad visible emission peaks compared to the UV emission and a weak peak at 425 nm which is originated from GaN. Electroluminescence study has shown highly improved luminescence response for the LEDs fabricated with NiO buffer layer compared to that without NiO layer. Introducing a sandwich-thin layer of NiO between the n-type ZnO and the p-type GaN will possibly block the injection of electrons from the ZnO to the GaN. Moreover, the presence of NiO buffer layer might create the confinement effect.

Mace-like gold hollow hierarchical micro/nanostructures fabricated by co-effect of catalytic etching and electrodeposition and their SERS performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Haibao; Wang, Jingjing; Wang, Hua; Tian, Xingyou

2017-09-01

In this paper, we presented the fabrication of mace-like gold hollow hierarchical micro/nanostructures (HMNs) grafted on ZnO nanorods array by using an electrochemical deposition in chloroauric acid solution on gold layer pre-coated ZnO nanorods array. Different from general electrochemical deposition process, the catalytic etching to ZnO and electrodeposition of gold are co-existed in our case, which lead to an inner hollow structure and an outer gold shell. Due to the appropriate electrodeposition conditions, the outer gold shell was built of many wimble-like nanoparticles, and the hierarchical micro/nanostructures were thus formed. In addition, because of the deposition rate is decreased gradually away from the top of ZnO nanorods, the final structures show mace-like appearance. The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect of the as-prepared gold hollow HMNs was further studied by using rhodamine 6G as probe molecule. It is demonstrated that these structures show ultrahigh SERS activity, and the detecting low limit of R6G solution can be to 10-10 M on single mace-like gold HMNs, which is quite important for their potential application in SERS-based surface analysis and sensors.

Effect of nickel seed layer on growth of α-V2O5 nanostructured thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sharma, Rabindar Kumar; Kant, Chandra; Kumar, Prabhat; Singh, Megha; Reddy, G. B.

2015-08-01

In this communication, we reported the role of Ni seed layer on the growth of vanadium pentoxide (α-V2O5) nanostructured thin films (NSTs) using plasma assisted sublimation process (PASP). Two different substrates, simple glass substrate and the Ni coated glass substrate (Ni thickness ˜ 100 nm) are employing in the present work. The influence of seed layer on structural, morphological, and vibrational properties have been studied systematically. The structural analysis divulged that both films deposited on simple glass as well as on Ni coated glass shown purely orthorhombic phase, no other phases are detected. The morphological studies of V2O5 film deposited on both substrates are carried out by SEM, revealed that features of V2O5 NSTs is completely modified in presence of Ni seed layer and the film possessing the excellent growth of nanorods (NRs) on Ni coated glass rather than simple glass. The HRTEM analysis of NRs is performed at very high magnification, shows very fine fringe pattern, which confirmed the single crystalline nature of nanorods. The vibrational study of NRs is performed using micro-Raman spectroscopy, which strongly support the XRD observations.

Efficient visible light photocatalysis of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) in aqueous solutions using supported zinc oxide nanorods.

PubMed

Al-Sabahi, Jamal; Bora, Tanujjal; Al-Abri, Mohammed; Dutta, Joydeep

2017-01-01

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) are some of the common environmental pollutants originating mainly from oil and gas industries, which are toxic to human as well as other living organisms in the ecosystem. Here we investigate photocatalytic degradation of BTEX under visible light irradiation using supported zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods grown on glass substrates using a microwave assisted hydrothermal method. ZnO nanorods were characterized by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), specific surface area, UV/visible absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Visible light photocatalytic degradation products of BTEX are studied for individual components using gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS). ZnO nanorods with significant amount of electronic defect states, due to the fast crystallization of the nanorods under microwave irradiation, exhibited efficient degradation of BTEX under visible light, degrading more than 80% of the individual BTEX components in 180 minutes. Effect of initial concentration of BTEX as individual components is also probed and the photocatalytic activity of the ZnO nanorods in different conditions is explored. Formation of intermediate byproducts such as phenol, benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde and benzoic acid were confirmed by our HPLC analysis which could be due to the photocatalytic degradation of BTEX. Carbon dioxide was evaluated and showed an increasing pattern over time indicating the mineralization process confirming the conversion of toxic organic compounds into benign products.

Role of near-field enhancement in plasmonic laser nanoablation using gold nanorods on a silicon substrate.

PubMed

Harrison, R K; Ben-Yakar, Adela

2010-10-11

We present experimental results for the plasmonic laser ablation of silicon with nanoscale features as small as 22 x 66 nm using single near-infrared, femtosecond laser pulses incident on gold nanorods. Near the ablation threshold, these features are photo-imprints of gold nanorod particles positioned on the surface of the silicon and have feature sizes similar to the nanorods. The single rod-shaped ablation pattern matches the enhancement patterns of the Poynting vector magnitude on the surface of silicon, implying that the ablation is a result of the plasmonic enhancement of the incident electromagnetic waves in the near-field of the particles. Interestingly, the ablation pattern is different from the two separated holes at the ends of the nanorod, as would be expected from the electric field--|E|(2) enhancement pattern. We measured the plasmonic ablation threshold fluence to be almost two orders of magnitude less than the femtosecond laser ablation threshold of silica, present in the thin native oxide layer on the surface of silicon. This value also agrees with the enhancement of the Poynting vector of a nanorod on silicon as calculated with electromagnetic simulations. We thus conclude that plasmonic ablation with plasmonic nanoparticles depends directly on the polarization and the value of the near-field enhancement of the Poynting vector and not the square of the electric field as previously suggested.

Efficient visible light photocatalysis of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) in aqueous solutions using supported zinc oxide nanorods

PubMed Central

Bora, Tanujjal; Al-Abri, Mohammed; Dutta, Joydeep

2017-01-01

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) are some of the common environmental pollutants originating mainly from oil and gas industries, which are toxic to human as well as other living organisms in the ecosystem. Here we investigate photocatalytic degradation of BTEX under visible light irradiation using supported zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods grown on glass substrates using a microwave assisted hydrothermal method. ZnO nanorods were characterized by electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), specific surface area, UV/visible absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Visible light photocatalytic degradation products of BTEX are studied for individual components using gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS). ZnO nanorods with significant amount of electronic defect states, due to the fast crystallization of the nanorods under microwave irradiation, exhibited efficient degradation of BTEX under visible light, degrading more than 80% of the individual BTEX components in 180 minutes. Effect of initial concentration of BTEX as individual components is also probed and the photocatalytic activity of the ZnO nanorods in different conditions is explored. Formation of intermediate byproducts such as phenol, benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde and benzoic acid were confirmed by our HPLC analysis which could be due to the photocatalytic degradation of BTEX. Carbon dioxide was evaluated and showed an increasing pattern over time indicating the mineralization process confirming the conversion of toxic organic compounds into benign products. PMID:29261711

Geometric and compositional factors on critical current density in YBa2Cu3O7‑δ films containing nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horide, Tomoya; Nagao, Sho; Izutsu, Ryosuke; Ishimaru, Manabu; Kita, Ryusuke; Matsumoto, Kaname

2018-06-01

Critical current density (J c) was investigated in YBa2Cu3O7‑δ films containing nanorods prepared with various nanorod materials, with variation of nanorod content, substrate temperature, and oxidization condition. Three types of compositional situation were realized: films containing strain induced oxygen vacancies; fully oxidized films containing cation compositional deviation; and oxygen deficient films. Normalized J c‑B behavior was determined via the matching field, which is a geometric factor, regardless of the compositional details. A J c‑critical temperature (T c) relation depending on distribution and fraction of compositional deviation (cation compositional deviation and strain induced oxygen vacancies) was found: the J c values decreased with decreasing T c due to the effect of T c on nanorod pinning strength in the fully oxidized films; J c decreased with decreasing oxygen pressure in the film cooling process after film deposition in spite of T c remaining almost the same, due to reduction of the effective area for current flow in the oxygen deficient films. Thus, a J c landscape based on geometric and compositional factors was obtained. The study highlights the importance of the J c‑T c analysis in the understanding of J c in YBa2Cu3O7‑δ films containing nanorods.

Improvement of antimony sulfide photo absorber performance by interface modification in Sb2S3-ZnO hybrid nanostructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ali, Asad; Hasanain, Syed Khurshid; Ali, Tahir; Sultan, Muhammad

2017-03-01

Metal-oxide chalcogenide nanostructures as part of hybrid systems are very important for photovoltaic and optoelectronic applications. It is however known that the various interfaces within the hybrid structures play a crucial role in limiting the efficiency of these devices. Here we report on the improvement of Sb2S3 structure through modification of interface between Zn-oxide nanostructures and chalcogenides. ZnO nanorods were grown on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate by chemical bath deposition (CBD) method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and SEM analysis confirmed the single phase wurtzite structure and c-axis orientation of the ZnO nanorod arrays. Antimony tri-sulfide (Sb2S3) was deposited on ZnO nanords by CBD and subsequently annealed at 300 °C in argon environment for 30 min. XRD and the XPS analysis of ZnO-Sb2S3 system showed the dominant presence of Sb2O3 rather than Sb2S3. Since oxidation of Sb2S3 is understood to proceed mainly from the ZnO-Sb2S3 interface, a ZnS interlayer was introduced between ZnO nanorods and Sb2S3 by chemical route. The subsequent structural and optical properties of the ZnO-ZnS-Sb2S3 system are analyzed in detail. The introduction of sulfide interlayer prevents the oxidation of Sb2S3 which is evident from reduced oxide phase in Sb2S3. Significant improvement in the structural and optical properties of Sb2S3 are reported as compared to the parent ZnO-Sb2S3 system. This gain in the optical properties of hybrid ZnO-ZnS-Sb2S3 nanostructures is explained as being related to successful prevention of Sb2O3 formation at the Sb-ZnO interface and stabilization of the desired Sb2S3.

Hierarchical structures consisting of SiO2 nanorods and p-GaN microdomes for efficiently harvesting solar energy for InGaN quantum well photovoltaic cells.

PubMed

Ho, Cheng-Han; Lien, Der-Hsien; Chang, Hung-Chih; Lin, Chin-An; Kang, Chen-Fang; Hsing, Meng-Kai; Lai, Kun-Yu; He, Jr-Hau

2012-12-07

We experimentally and theoretically demonstrated the hierarchical structure of SiO(2) nanorod arrays/p-GaN microdomes as a light harvesting scheme for InGaN-based multiple quantum well solar cells. The combination of nano- and micro-structures leads to increased internal multiple reflection and provides an intermediate refractive index between air and GaN. Cells with the hierarchical structure exhibit improved short-circuit current densities and fill factors, rendering a 1.47 fold efficiency enhancement as compared to planar cells.

Water flattens graphene wrinkles: laser shock wrapping of graphene onto substrate-supported crystalline plasmonic nanoparticle arrays

PubMed Central

Hu, Yaowu; Lee, Seunghyun; Kumar, Prashant; Nian, Qiong; Wang, Wenqi; Irudayaraj, Joseph; Cheng, Gary J.

2018-01-01

Hot electron injection into an exceptionally high mobility material can be realized in graphene-plasmonic nanoantenna hybrid nanosystems, which can be exploited for several front-edge applications including photovoltaics, plasmonic waveguiding and molecular sensing at trace level. Wrinkling instabilities of graphene on these plasmonic nanostructures, however, would cause reactive oxygen or sulfur species diffuse and react with the materials, decrease charge transfer rate and block intense hot-spots. No ex-situ graphene wrapping technique has been explored so far to control these wrinkles. Here, we present a method to generate seamless integration by using water as a flyer to transfer the laser shock pressure to wrap graphene onto plasmonic nanocrystals. This technique decrease the interfacial gap between graphene and the covered substrate-supported plasmonic nanoparticle arrays, by exploiting a shock pressure generated by laser ablation of graphite and water impermeability nature of graphene. Graphene wrapping of chemically synthesized crystalline gold nanospheres, nanorods and bipyramids with different field confinement capabilities are investigated. A combined experimental and computational method, including SEM and AFM morphological investigation, molecular dynamics simulation, and Raman spectroscopy characterization, is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique. Graphene covered gold bipyramid exhibits the best result among the hybrid nanosystems studied. We have shown that the hybrid system fabricated by laser shock can be used for enhanced molecular sensing. The technique developed has the characteristics of tight integration, chemical/thermal stability, instantaneous, scale and room temperature processing capability, and can be further extended to integrate other 2D material with various 0-3D nanomaterials. PMID:26394237

Natural Deposition Strategy for Interfacial, Self-Assembled, Large-Scale, Densely Packed, Monolayer Film with Ligand-Exchanged Gold Nanorods for In Situ Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Drug Detection.

PubMed

Mao, Mei; Zhou, Binbin; Tang, Xianghu; Chen, Cheng; Ge, Meihong; Li, Pan; Huang, Xingjiu; Yang, Liangbao; Liu, Jinhuai

2018-03-15

Liquid interfacial self-assembly of metal nanoparticles holds great promise for its various applications, such as in tunable optical devices, plasmonics, sensors, and catalysis. However, the construction of large-area, ordered, anisotropic, nanoparticle monolayers and the acquisition of self-assembled interface films are still significant challenges. Herein, a rapid, validated method to fabricate large-scale, close-packed nanomaterials at the cyclohexane/water interface, in which hydrophilic cetyltrimethylammonium bromide coated nanoparticles and gold nanorods (AuNRs) self-assemble into densely packed 2D arrays by regulating the surface ligand and suitable inducer, is reported. Decorating AuNRs with polyvinylpyrrolidone not only extensively decreases the charge of AuNRs, but also diminishes repulsive forces. More importantly, a general, facile, novel technique to transfer an interfacial monolayer through a designed in situ reaction cell linked to a microfluidic chip is revealed. The self-assembled nanofilm can then automatically settle on the substrate and be directly detected in the reaction cell in situ by means of a portable Raman spectrometer. Moreover, a close-packed monolayer of self-assembled AuNRs provides massive, efficient hotspots to create great surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) enhancement, which provides high sensitivity and reproducibility as the SERS-active substrate. Furthermore, this strategy was exploited to detect drug molecules in human urine for cyclohexane-extracted targets acting as the oil phase to form an oil/water interface. A portable Raman spectrometer was employed to detect methamphetamine down to 100 ppb levels in human urine, exhibiting excellent practicability. As a universal platform, handy tool, and fast pretreatment method with a good capability for drug detection in biological systems, this technique shows great promise for rapid, credible, and on-spot drug detection. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Biofunctionalization of aqueous dispersed, alumina membrane-templated polymer nanorods for use in enzymatic chemiluminescence assays.

PubMed

Mark, Sonny S; Stolper, Samuel I; Baratti, Carla; Park, Jason Y; Kricka, Larry J

2008-09-01

The noncovalent immobilization of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) onto aqueous dispersed nylon 6 nanorods ( approximately 310 nm mean diameter; approximately 6 microm mean length) prepared by anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membrane templating was studied. Using multi-stacked layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly with the cationic quaternary ammonium polymer Sapphire II , the amount of ALP enzyme loaded onto the polymer nanostructures was found to be 115+/-7 microg mg(-1) nanorod. The biofunctionalized nanorods were also characterized for their chemiluminescent activity with the dioxetane substrate, CSPD . The results indicate that the kinetic parameters, K(m) and V(max), for the catalytic activity of the nanostructure-bound ALP enzyme are different from those of soluble ('free') ALP. While the K(m) value was measured to be 156 microM for free ALP, the apparent K(m) value determined for the LBL-immobilized ALP is approximately 20% lower (122 microM). Furthermore, despite the relatively high enzyme loading capacity of the nanorods, the specific activity of the bound ALP enzyme was found to be almost nine times lower than that measured for free ALP. Finally, additional experiments revealed that the catalytic activities of both free ALP and nanorod-conjugated ALP are affected similarly by changes in pH, with optimal performance levels occurring under conditions of pH 9.5. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first report examining the preparation of aqueous dispersed, AAO-templated polymer nanorods for potential application as enzyme scaffolds in chemiluminescent-based assay systems.

Organized one dimensional nanomaterials: From preparations to applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wen, Xiaogang

This thesis is mainly concerned with the development of organized one dimensional (1D) nanomaterials and their applications. We have synthesized Ag2S, Cu2S nanowires, Fe2O3 nanobelt and nanowire arrays and ZnO nanobelt arrays from corresponding metal substrate respectively via gas solid reaction methods under different growth conditions. The effect of various parameters including temperature, reaction time, composition of gas, surface pre-oxidation, size of source materials etc. on the growth of metal oxide/sulfide 1D nanostructure have been studied systemically. The size and morphology of these 1D nanomaterials could be rationally controlled by adjusting the growth conditions. A tip growth mechanism has been confirmed based our results. The properties including PL, Raman, field effect transistors, and field emission of these materials have been measured. Cu(OH)2 nanoribbons have been synthesized by a solution solid reaction method using Cu and Cu2S nanowires as precursors. Cu(OH) 2 nanoribbons can form well-aligned arrays on Cu substrate. Low temperature facilitate the formation of Cu(OH)2 nanoribbon arrays. Reaction conditions affect the morphology, crystal structure, even composition of the products much. CuO nanorod arrays of several nm in diameter could be synthesis in changed condition. Cu(OH)2 nanoribbon arrays are good sacrifice template for synthesizing other Cu-based 1D nanomaterials. It has been converted to CuO, Cu2O, Cu8S9, Cu etc. 1D nanostructure through different physical and chemical reaction process. Au/Cu2S core/sheath nanowires have been synthesized in solution phase via a simple template-induced redox deposition process, after removing the Cu2S template, Au nanotubes have been formed. The photoelectrochemistry (PEC) properties of it have been studied. Ag dendritic nanostructures have been prepared via solution reaction. We have revealed that the stem, branch, and sub-branch grow along <100>, <111> and <100> directions, respectively. Such a preferential growth pattern along <100> and <111> alternately lead to the formation of the Ag nanodendrites. In another development, we have synthesized unltrathin Zn nanowires (<5nm) by a vapor transport method. Small molecules are induced into the gas phase as capping reagents. In this process, the small molecules serve as capping reagents or templates to confine the lateral growth and facilitate the formation of ultrathin 1D nanostructures. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Comparative study of ZnO nanorods and thin films for chemical and biosensing applications and the development of ZnO nanorods based potentiometric strontium ion sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khun, K.; Ibupoto, Z. H.; Chey, C. O.; Lu, Jun.; Nur, O.; Willander, M.

2013-03-01

In this study, the comparative study of ZnO nanorods and ZnO thin films were performed regarding the chemical and biosensing properties and also ZnO nanorods based strontium ion sensor is proposed. ZnO nanorods were grown on gold coated glass substrates by the hydrothermal growth method and the ZnO thin films were deposited by electro deposition technique. ZnO nanorods and thin films were characterised by field emission electron microscopy [FESEM] and X-ray diffraction [XRD] techniques and this study has shown that the grown nanostructures are highly dense, uniform and exhibited good crystal quality. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy [TEM] was used to investigate the quality of ZnO thin film and we observed that ZnO thin film was comprised of nano clusters. ZnO nanorods and thin films were functionalised with selective strontium ionophore salicylaldehyde thiosemicarbazone [ST] membrane, galactose oxidase, and lactate oxidase for the detection of strontium ion, galactose and L-lactic acid, respectively. The electrochemical response of both ZnO nanorods and thin films sensor devices was measured by using the potentiometric method. The strontium ion sensor has exhibited good characteristics with a sensitivity of 28.65 ± 0.52 mV/decade, for a wide range of concentrations from 1.00 × 10-6 to 5.00 × 10-2 M, selectivity, reproducibility, stability and fast response time of 10.00 s. The proposed strontium ion sensor was used as indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration of strontium ion versus ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid [EDTA]. This comparative study has shown that ZnO nanorods possessed better performance with high sensitivity and low limit of detection due to high surface area to volume ratio as compared to the flat surface of ZnO thin films.

Linearly polarized photoluminescence of InGaN quantum disks embedded in GaN nanorods.

PubMed

Park, Youngsin; Chan, Christopher C S; Nuttall, Luke; Puchtler, Tim J; Taylor, Robert A; Kim, Nammee; Jo, Yongcheol; Im, Hyunsik

2018-05-25

We have investigated the emission from InGaN/GaN quantum disks grown on the tip of GaN nanorods. The emission at 3.21 eV from the InGaN quantum disk doesn't show a Stark shift, and it is linearly polarized when excited perpendicular to the growth direction. The degree of linear polarization is about 39.3% due to the anisotropy of the nanostructures. In order to characterize a single nanostructure, the quantum disks were dispersed on a SiO 2 substrate patterned with a metal reference grid. By rotating the excitation polarization angle from parallel to perpendicular relative to the nanorods, the variation of overall PL for the 3.21 eV peak was recorded and it clearly showed the degree of linear polarization (DLP) of 51.5%.

Solution-phase synthesis of nanomaterials at low temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yongchun; Qian, Yitai

2009-01-01

This paper reviews the solution-phase synthesis of nanoparticles via some routes at low temperatures, such as room temperature route, wave-assisted synthesis (γ-irradiation route and sonochemical route), directly heating at low temperatures, and hydrothermal/solvothermal methods. A number of strategies were developed to control the shape, the size, as well as the dispersion of nanostructures. Using diethylamine or n-butylamine as solvent, semiconductor nanorods were yielded. By the hydrothermal treatment of amorphous colloids, Bi2S3 nanorods and Se nanowires were obtained. CdS nanowires were prepared in the presence of polyacrylamide. ZnS nanowires were obtained using liquid crystal. The polymer poly (vinyl acetate) tubule acted as both nanoreactor and template for the CdSe nanowire growth. Assisted by the surfactant of sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate (SDBS), nickel nanobelts were synthesized. In addition, Ag nanowires, Te nanotubes and ZnO nanorod arrays could be prepared without adding any additives or templates.

Synthesis of Various Metal/TiO2 Core/shell Nanorod Arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Wei; Wang, Guan-zhong; Hong, Xun; Shen, Xiao-shuang

2011-02-01

We present a general approach to fabricate metal/TiO2 core/shell nanorod structures by two-step electrodeposition. Firstly, TiO2 nanotubes with uniform wall thickness are prepared in anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes by electrodeposition. The wall thickness of the nanotubes could be easily controlled by modulating the deposition time, and their outer diameter and length are only limited by the channel diameter and the thickness of the AAO membranes, respectively. The nanotubes' tops prepared by this method are open, while the bottoms are connected directly with the Au film at the back of the AAO membranes. Secondly, Pd, Cu, and Fe elements are filled into the TiO2 nanotubes to form core/shell structures. The core/shell nanorods prepared by this two-step process are high density and free-standing, and their length is dependent on the deposition time.

Reactive tunnel junctions in electrically driven plasmonic nanorod metamaterials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Pan; Krasavin, Alexey V.; Nasir, Mazhar E.; Dickson, Wayne; Zayats, Anatoly V.

2018-02-01

Non-equilibrium hot carriers formed near the interfaces of semiconductors or metals play a crucial role in chemical catalysis and optoelectronic processes. In addition to optical illumination, an efficient way to generate hot carriers is by excitation with tunnelling electrons. Here, we show that the generation of hot electrons makes the nanoscale tunnel junctions highly reactive and facilitates strongly confined chemical reactions that can, in turn, modulate the tunnelling processes. We designed a device containing an array of electrically driven plasmonic nanorods with up to 1011 tunnel junctions per square centimetre, which demonstrates hot-electron activation of oxidation and reduction reactions in the junctions, induced by the presence of O2 and H2 molecules, respectively. The kinetics of the reactions can be monitored in situ following the radiative decay of tunnelling-induced surface plasmons. This electrically driven plasmonic nanorod metamaterial platform can be useful for the development of nanoscale chemical and optoelectronic devices based on electron tunnelling.

Nanorods on surface of GaN-based thin-film LEDs deposited by post-annealing after photo-assisted chemical etching.

PubMed

Chen, Lung-Chien; Lin, Wun-Wei; Liu, Te-Yu

2017-12-01

This study investigates the optoelectronic characteristics of gallium nitride (GaN)-based thin-film light-emitting diodes (TF-LEDs) that are formed by a two-step transfer process that involves wet etching and post-annealing. In the two-step transfer process, GaN LEDs were stripped from sapphire substrates by the laser lift-off (LLO) method using a KrF laser and then transferred onto ceramic substrates. Ga-K nanorods were formed on the surface of the GaN-based TF-LEDs following photo-assisted chemical etching and photo-enhanced post-annealing at 100 °C for 1 min. As a result, the light output power of GaN-based TF-LEDs with wet etching and post-annealing was over 72% more than that of LEDs that did not undergo these treatments.

Quantum Dot Sensitized Solar Cells Based on TiO2/AgInS2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pawar, Sachin A.; Jeong, Jae Pil; Patil, Dipali S.; More, Vivek M.; Lee, Rochelle S.; Shin, Jae Cheol; Choi, Won Jun

2018-05-01

Quantum dot heterojunctions with type-II band alignment can efficiently separate photogenerated electron-hole pairs and, hence, are useful for solar cell studies. In this study, a quantum dot sensitized solar cell (QDSSC) made of TiO2/AgInS2 is achieved to boost the photoconversion efficiency for the TiO2-based system by varying the AgInS2 layer's thickness. The TiO2 nanorods array film is prepared by using a simple hydrothermal technique. The formation of a AgInS2 QD-sensitized TiO2-nanorod photoelectrode is carried out by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) technique. The effect of the QD layer on the performance of the solar cell is studied by varying the SILAR cycles of the QD coating. The synthesized electrode materials are characterized by using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and solar cell performances. The results indicate that the nanocrystals have effectively covered the outer surfaces of the TiO2 nanorods. The interfacial structure of quantum dots (QDs)/TiO2 is also investigated, and the growth interface is verified. A careful comparison between TiO2/AgInS2 sensitized cells reveals that the trasfer of electrons and hole proceeds efficiently, the recombination is suppressed for the optimum thickness of the QD layer and light from the entire visible spectrum is utilised. Under AM 1.5G illumination, a high photocurrent of 1.36 mAcm-2 with an improved power conversion efficiency of 0.48% is obtained. The solar cell properties of our photoanodes suggest that the TiO2 nanorod array films co-sensitized by AgInS2 nanoclusters have potential applications in solar cells.

Effect of γ-irradiation on the growth of ZnO nanorod films for photocatalytic disinfection of contaminated water.

PubMed

Alarcón, Julio; Ponce, Silvia; Paraguay-Delgado, Francisco; Rodríguez, Juan

2011-12-01

The growth of ZnO nanorods on a flat substrate containing γ-irradiated seeds and their ability to photocatalytically eliminate bacteria in water were studied. The seed layer was obtained, by the spray pyrolysis technique, from zinc acetate solutions γ-irradiated within the range from 0 to 100 kGy. Subsequently, to grow the rods, the seeds were immersed in a basic solution of zinc nitrate maintained at 90 °C. The rate of crystal growth on the seed layer during the thermal bath treatment was kept constant. The resulting materials were characterized morphologically by scanning electron and atomic force microscopies; X-ray diffraction was used to study their morphology and structure and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy to determine their absorbance. The obtained seed films were morphologically dependent on the radiation dose and this was correlated with the ZnO nanorod films which presented a texture in the (002) direction perpendicular to the substrate. The rods have a hexagonal mean cross section between 20 and 140 nm. Using these rods, the photocatalytic degradation of Escherichia coli bacteria in water was studied; a positive influence of the crystalline texture on the degradation rate was observed. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

In situ electrochemical polymerization of a nanorod-PANI-Graphene composite in a reverse micelle electrolyte and its application in a supercapacitor.

PubMed

Hu, Liwen; Tu, Jiguo; Jiao, Shuqiang; Hou, Jungang; Zhu, Hongmin; Fray, Derek J

2012-12-05

Highly porous nanorod-PANI-Graphene composite films were prepared by in situ electrochemical polymerization onto an ITO substrate in a reverse micelle electrolyte. The morphology and microstructure of the composite films were analyzed by using a field emission scanning electron microscope. It was observed that the films were highly porous and the nanorod PANI films were inserted by graphene nanosheets. This indicated that a good conductive network between PANI nanorods and graphene sheets was formed. Further electrochemical tests involved cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in 1 mol L(-1) HClO(4) solution. The results showed that the composite film had a favorable capacitance with a high electron transfer rate and low resistance. The highest specific capacitance that could be achieved was as high as 878.57 F g(-1) with the charge loading of 500 mC at a current density of 1 A g(-1). The GCD at different charge loadings showed good cycle stability with a low fading rate of specific capacitance after 1000 cycles. The results demonstrated that the nanorod-PANI-Graphene composite was proved to be of great potential as an electrode material for supercapacitors.

Near band gap luminescence in hybrid organic-inorganic structures based on sputtered GaN nanorods.

PubMed

Forsberg, Mathias; Serban, Elena Alexandra; Hsiao, Ching-Lien; Junaid, Muhammad; Birch, Jens; Pozina, Galia

2017-04-26

Novel hybrid organic-inorganic nanostructures fabricated to utilize non-radiative resonant energy transfer mechanism are considered to be extremely attractive for a variety of light emitters for down converting of ultaviolet light and for photovoltaic applications since they can be much more efficient compared to devices grown with common design. Organic-inorganic hybrid structures based on green polyfluorene (F8BT) and GaN (0001) nanorods grown by magnetron sputtering on Si (111) substrates are studied. In such nanorods, stacking faults can form periodic polymorphic quantum wells characterized by bright luminescence. In difference to GaN exciton emission, the recombination rate for the stacking fault related emission increases in the presence of polyfluorene film, which can be understood in terms of Förster interaction mechanism. From comparison of dynamic properties of the stacking fault related luminescence in the hybrid structures and in the bare GaN nanorods, the pumping efficiency of non-radiative resonant energy transfer in hybrids was estimated to be as high as 35% at low temperatures.

Fabrication of solution processed 3D nanostructured CuInGaS₂ thin film solar cells.

PubMed

Chu, Van Ben; Cho, Jin Woo; Park, Se Jin; Hwang, Yun Jeong; Park, Hoo Keun; Do, Young Rag; Min, Byoung Koun

2014-03-28

In this study we demonstrate the fabrication of CuInGaS₂ (CIGS) thin film solar cells with a three-dimensional (3D) nanostructure based on indium tin oxide (ITO) nanorod films and precursor solutions (Cu, In and Ga nitrates in alcohol). To obtain solution processed 3D nanostructured CIGS thin film solar cells, two different precursor solutions were applied to complete gap filling in ITO nanorods and achieve the desirable absorber film thickness. Specifically, a coating of precursor solution without polymer binder material was first applied to fill the gap between ITO nanorods followed by deposition of the second precursor solution in the presence of a binder to generate an absorber film thickness of ∼1.3 μm. A solar cell device with a (Al, Ni)/AZO/i-ZnO/CdS/CIGS/ITO nanorod/glass structure was constructed using the CIGS film, and the highest power conversion efficiency was measured to be ∼6.3% at standard irradiation conditions, which was 22.5% higher than the planar type of CIGS solar cell on ITO substrate fabricated using the same precursor solutions.

Characterization of Gold-Sputtered Zinc Oxide Nanorods-a Potential Hybrid Material.

PubMed

Perumal, Veeradasan; Hashim, Uda; Gopinath, Subash C B; Rajintra Prasad, Haarindraprasad; Wei-Wen, Liu; Balakrishnan, S R; Vijayakumar, Thivina; Rahim, Ruslinda Abdul

2016-12-01

Generation of hybrid nanostructures has been attested as a promising approach to develop high-performance sensing substrates. Herein, hybrid zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorod dopants with different gold (Au) thicknesses were grown on silicon wafer and studied for their impact on physical, optical and electrical characteristics. Structural patterns displayed that ZnO crystal lattice is in preferred c-axis orientation and proved the higher purities. Observations under field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed the coverage of ZnO nanorods by Au-spots having diameters in the average ranges of 5-10 nm, as determined under transmission electron microscopy. Impedance spectroscopic analysis of Au-sputtered ZnO nanorods was carried out in the frequency range of 1 to 100 MHz with applied AC amplitude of 1 V RMS. The obtained results showed significant changes in the electrical properties (conductance and dielectric constant) with nanostructures. A clear demonstration with 30-nm thickness of Au-sputtering was apparent to be ideal for downstream applications, due to the lowest variation in resistance value of grain boundary, which has dynamic and superior characteristics.

Fabrication and characterization of gold nano-wires templated on virus-like arrays of tobacco mosaic virus coat proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wnęk, M.; Górzny, M. Ł.; Ward, M. B.; Wälti, C.; Davies, A. G.; Brydson, R.; Evans, S. D.; Stockley, P. G.

2013-01-01

The rod-shaped plant virus tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) is widely used as a nano-fabrication template, and chimeric peptide expression on its major coat protein has extended its potential applications. Here we describe a simple bacterial expression system for production and rapid purification of recombinant chimeric TMV coat protein carrying C-terminal peptide tags. These proteins do not bind TMV RNA or form disks at pH 7. However, they retain the ability to self-assemble into virus-like arrays at acidic pH. C-terminal peptide tags in such arrays are exposed on the protein surface, allowing interaction with target species. We have utilized a C-terminal His-tag to create virus coat protein-templated nano-rods able to bind gold nanoparticles uniformly. These can be transformed into gold nano-wires by deposition of additional gold atoms from solution, followed by thermal annealing. The resistivity of a typical annealed wire created by this approach is significantly less than values reported for other nano-wires made using different bio-templates. This expression construct is therefore a useful additional tool for the creation of chimeric TMV-like nano-rods for bio-templating.

Zinc oxide nano-rods based glucose biosensor devices fabrication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wahab, H. A.; Salama, A. A.; El Saeid, A. A.; Willander, M.; Nur, O.; Battisha, I. K.

2018-06-01

ZnO is distinguished multifunctional material that has wide applications in biochemical sensor devices. For extracellular measurements, Zinc oxide nano-rods will be deposited on conducting plastic substrate with annealing temperature 150 °C (ZNRP150) and silver wire with annealing temperature 250 °C (ZNRW250), for the extracellular glucose concentration determination with functionalized ZNR-coated biosensors. It was performed in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) over the range from 1 μM to 10 mM and on human blood plasma. The prepared samples crystal structure and surface morphologies were characterized by XRD and field emission scanning electron microscope FESEM respectively.

On the transmission of terahertz radiation through silicon-based structures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Persano, Anna, E-mail: anna.persano@le.imm.cnr.it; Francioso, Luca; Cola, Adriano

2014-07-28

We report on the transmission of a terahertz (THz) radiation through prototype structures based on a p-type silicon substrate. In particular, the bare substrate and progressively more complicated multilayer structures were investigated, allowing to address the effect on the transmission of different factors, such as the orientation of interdigitated contacts with respect to the polarized beam, the temperature, and the current flowing through a conductive SnO{sub 2} nanorods layer. A suitable experimental set-up was developed for the direct spectral measurement of transmission in the range of 0.75–1.1 THz at room and low temperatures. A simple Drude-Lorentz model was formulated, findingmore » a quantitative agreement with the experimental transmission spectrum of the bare substrate at room temperature. For the multilayer structures, the spectra variations observed with temperature are well accounted by the corresponding change of the mobility of holes in the silicon p-type substrate. The influence of the contact orientation is consistent with that of a polarizing metallic grating. Finally, Joule heating effects are observed in the spectra performed as a function of the current flowing through the SnO{sub 2} nanorods layer. The experimental results shown here, together with their theoretical interpretation, provide insights for the development of devices fabricated on conductive substrates aimed to absorb/modulate radiation in the THz range.« less

Strain Multiplexed Metasurface Holograms on a Stretchable Substrate.

PubMed

Malek, Stephanie C; Ee, Ho-Seok; Agarwal, Ritesh

2017-06-14

We demonstrate reconfigurable phase-only computer-generated metasurface holograms with up to three image planes operating in the visible regime fabricated with gold nanorods on a stretchable polydimethylsiloxane substrate. Stretching the substrate enlarges the hologram image and changes the location of the image plane. Upon stretching, these devices can switch the displayed holographic image between multiple distinct images. This work opens up the possibilities for stretchable metasurface holograms as flat devices for dynamically reconfigurable optical communication and display. It also confirms that metasurfaces on stretchable substrates can serve as platform for a variety of reconfigurable optical devices.

Lectin functionalized ZnO nanoarrays as a 3D nano-biointerface for bacterial detection.

PubMed

Zheng, Laibao; Wan, Yi; Qi, Peng; Sun, Yan; Zhang, Dun; Yu, Liangmin

2017-05-15

The detection of pathogenic bacteria is essential in various fields, such as food safety, water environmental analysis, or clinical diagnosis. Although rapid and selective techniques have been achieved based on the fast and specific binding of recognitions elements and target, the sensitive detection of bacterial pathogens was limited by their low targets-binding efficiency. The three-dimensional (3D) nano-biointerface, compared with the two-dimensional (2D) flat substrate, has a much higher binding capacity, which can offer more reactive sites to bind with bacterial targets, resulting in a great improvement of detection sensitivity. Herein, a lectin functionalized ZnO nanorod (ZnO-NR) array has been fabricated and employed as a 3D nano-biointerface for Escherichia coli (E. coli) capture and detection by multivalent binding of concanavalin A (ConA) with polysaccharides on the cellular surface of E. coli. The 3D lectin functionalized ZnO-NR array-based assay shows reasonable detection limit and efficiently expanded linear range (1.0×10 3 to 1.0×10 7 cfumL -1 ) for pathogen detection. The platform has a potential for further applications and provides an excellent sensitivity approach for detection of pathogenic bacteria. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Role of ZnO photoanode nanostructures and sensitizer deposition approaches on the photovoltaic properties of CdS/CdSe and CdS1-xSex quantum dot-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Şişman, İlkay; Tekir, Oktay; Karaca, Hüseyin

2017-02-01

Hierarchical bundle-like ZnO nanorod arrays (BNRs) were synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal method based on two consecutive temperature steps for cascade CdS/CdSe and ternary CdS1-xSex alloy quantum dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) as photoanode. The CdS/CdSe and CdS1-xSex QDs were deposited on the surface of the ZnO BNRs by conventional and modified successive ionic-layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) methods, respectively. Using the ZnO BNRs/CdS/CdSe photoanode, the power conversion efficiency reaches 2.08%, which is 1.8 times higher than that of pristine ZnO nanorods/CdS/CdSe photoanode, while by applying ZnO BNRs/CdS1-xSex, the power conversion efficiency improves 2.52%. The remarkably improved photovoltaic performance is mainly derived from the bundle-like nanorod arrays structure, which increases the QDs loading amount and the scattering effect for light absorption, and the appropriate conduction band energy, sufficient Se amount and well coverage of the ternary CdS1-xSex QDs result in enhanced photogenerated electron injection, high light absorption and reduced recombination, respectively. As a result, ZnO BNRs/CdS1-xSex combination can significantly improve performance of QDSSCs.

Enhancement of Perovskite Solar Cells Efficiency using N-Doped TiO2 Nanorod Arrays as Electron Transfer Layer.

PubMed

Zhang, Zhen-Long; Li, Jun-Feng; Wang, Xiao-Li; Qin, Jian-Qiang; Shi, Wen-Jia; Liu, Yue-Feng; Gao, Hui-Ping; Mao, Yan-Li

2017-12-01

In this paper, N-doped TiO 2 (N-TiO 2 ) nanorod arrays were synthesized with hydrothermal method, and perovskite solar cells were fabricated using them as electron transfer layer. The solar cell performance was optimized by changing the N doping contents. The power conversion efficiency of solar cells based on N-TiO 2 with the N doping content of 1% (N/Ti, atomic ratio) has been achieved 11.1%, which was 14.7% higher than that of solar cells based on un-doped TiO 2 . To get an insight into the improvement, some investigations were performed. The structure was examined with X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and morphology was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) and Tauc plot spectra indicated the incorporation of N in TiO 2 nanorods. Absorption spectra showed higher absorption of visible light for N-TiO 2 than un-doped TiO 2 . The N doping reduced the energy band gap from 3.03 to 2.74 eV. The photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) spectra displayed the faster electron transfer from perovskite layer to N-TiO 2 than to un-doped TiO 2 . Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) showed the smaller resistance of device based on N-TiO 2 than that on un-doped TiO 2 .

Rapid Detection of Pathogenic Bacteria from Fresh Produce by Filtration and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Xiaomeng; Han, Caiqin; Chen, Jing; Huang, Yao-Wen; Zhao, Yiping

2016-04-01

The detection of Salmonella Poona from cantaloupe cubes and E. coli O157:H7 from lettuce has been explored by using a filtration method and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) based on vancomycin-functionalized silver nanorod array substrates. It is found that with a two-step filtration process, the limit of detection (LOD) of Salmonella Poona from cantaloupe cubes can be as low as 100 CFU/mL in less than 4 h, whereas the chlorophyll in the lettuce causes severe SERS spectral interference. To improve the LOD of lettuce, a three-step filtration method with a hydrophobic filter is proposed. The hydrophobic filter can effectively eliminate the interferences from chlorophyll and achieve a LOD of 1000 CFU/mL detection of E. coli O157:H7 from lettuce samples within 5 h. With the low LODs and rapid detection time, the SERS biosensing platform has demonstrated its potential as a rapid, simple, and inexpensive means for pathogenic bacteria detection from fresh produce.

Polycrystalline ZnO and Mn-doped ZnO nanorod arrays with variable dopant content via a template based synthesis from Zn(II) and Mn(II) Schiff base type single source molecular precursors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pashchanka, Mikhail; Hoffmann, Rudolf C.; Burghaus, Olaf; Corzilius, Björn; Cherkashinin, Gennady; Schneider, Jörg J.

2011-01-01

The synthesis and full characterisation of pure and Mn-doped polycrystalline zinc oxide nanorods with tailored dopant content are obtained via a single source molecular precursor approach using two Schiff base type coordination compounds is reported. The infiltration of precursor solutions into the cylindrical pores of a polycarbonate template and their thermal conversion into a ceramic green body followed by dissolution of the template gives the desired ZnO and Mn-doped ZnO nanomaterial as compact rods. The ZnO nanorods have a mean diameter between 170 and 180 nm or 60-70 nm, depending on the template pore size employed, comprising a length of 5-6 μm. These nanorods are composed of individual sub-5 nm ZnO nanocrystals. Exact doping of these hierarchically structured ZnO nanorods was achieved by introducing Mn(II) into the ZnO host lattice with the precursor complex Diaquo-bis[2-(meth-oxyimino)-propanoato]manganese, which allows to tailor the exact Mn(II) doping content of the ZnO rods. Investigation of the Mn-doped ZnO samples by XRD, TEM, XPS, PL and EPR, reveals that manganese occurs exclusively in its oxidation state + II and is distributed within the volume as well as on the surface of the ZnO host.

Plasma treatment of p-GaN/n-ZnO nanorod light-emitting diodes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leung, Yu Hang; Ng, Alan M. C.; Djurišic, Aleksandra B.; Chan, Wai Kin; Fong, Patrick W. K.; Lui, Hsien Fai; Surya, Charles

2014-03-01

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a material of great interest for short-wavelength optoelectronic applications due to its wide band gap (3.37 eV) and high exciton binding energy (60 meV). Due to the difficulty in stable p-type doping of ZnO, other p-type materials such as gallium nitride (GaN) have been used to form heterojunctions with ZnO. p-GaN/n-ZnO heterojunction devices, in particular light-emitting diodes (LED) have been extensively studied. There was a huge variety of electronic properties and emission colors on the reported devices. It is due to the different energy alignment at the interface caused by different properties of the GaN layer and ZnO counterpart in the junction. Attempts have been made on modifying the heterojunction by various methods, such as introducing a dielectric interlayer and post-growth surface treatment, and changing the growth methods of ZnO. In this study, heterojunction LED devices with p-GaN and ZnO nanorods array are demonstrated. The ZnO nanorods were grown by a solution method. The ZnO nanorods were exposed to different kinds of plasma treatments (such as nitrogen and oxygen) after the growth. It was found that the treatment could cause significant change on the optical properties of the ZnO nanorods, as well as the electronic properties and light emissions of the resultant LED devices.

Effect of nickel seed layer on growth of α-V{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanostructured thin films

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sharma, Rabindar Kumar; Kant, Chandra; Kumar, Prabhat

In this communication, we reported the role of Ni seed layer on the growth of vanadium pentoxide (α-V{sub 2}O{sub 5}) nanostructured thin films (NSTs) using plasma assisted sublimation process (PASP). Two different substrates, simple glass substrate and the Ni coated glass substrate (Ni thickness ∼ 100 nm) are employing in the present work. The influence of seed layer on structural, morphological, and vibrational properties have been studied systematically. The structural analysis divulged that both films deposited on simple glass as well as on Ni coated glass shown purely orthorhombic phase, no other phases are detected. The morphological studies of V{sub 2}O{submore » 5} film deposited on both substrates are carried out by SEM, revealed that features of V{sub 2}O{sub 5} NSTs is completely modified in presence of Ni seed layer and the film possessing the excellent growth of nanorods (NRs) on Ni coated glass rather than simple glass. The HRTEM analysis of NRs is performed at very high magnification, shows very fine fringe pattern, which confirmed the single crystalline nature of nanorods. The vibrational study of NRs is performed using micro-Raman spectroscopy, which strongly support the XRD observations.« less

Integrated photoelectrochemical energy storage: solar hydrogen generation and supercapacitor

PubMed Central

Xia, Xinhui; Luo, Jingshan; Zeng, Zhiyuan; Guan, Cao; Zhang, Yongqi; Tu, Jiangping; Zhang, Hua; Fan, Hong Jin

2012-01-01

Current solar energy harvest and storage are so far realized by independent technologies (such as solar cell and batteries), by which only a fraction of solar energy is utilized. It is highly desirable to improve the utilization efficiency of solar energy. Here, we construct an integrated photoelectrochemical device with simultaneous supercapacitor and hydrogen evolution functions based on TiO2/transition metal hydroxides/oxides core/shell nanorod arrays. The feasibility of solar-driven pseudocapacitance is clearly demonstrated, and the charge/discharge is indicated by reversible color changes (photochromism). In such an integrated device, the photogenerated electrons are utilized for H2 generation and holes for pseudocapacitive charging, so that both the reductive and oxidative energies are captured and converted. Specific capacitances of 482 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and 287 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 are obtained with TiO2/Ni(OH)2 nanorod arrays. This study provides a new research strategy for integrated pseudocapacitor and solar energy application. PMID:23248745

Tunable infrared hyperbolic metamaterials with periodic indium-tin-oxide nanorods

DOE PAGES

Guo, Peijun; Chang, Robert P. H.; Schaller, Richard D.

2017-07-10

Hyperbolic metamaterials (HMMs) are artificially engineered optical media that have been used for light confinement, excited state decay rate engineering, and subwavelength imaging, due to their highly anisotropic permittivity and with it the capability of supporting high- k modes. HMMs in the infrared range can be conceived for additional applications such as free space communication, thermal engineering, and molecular sensing. Here, we demonstrate infrared HMMs comprised of periodic indium-tin-oxide nanorod arrays (ITO-NRAs). We show that the ITO-NRA based HMMs exhibit a stationary epsilon-near-pole resonance in the near-infrared regime that is insensitive to the filling ratio, and a highly tunable epsilon-near-zeromore » resonance in the mid-infrared range depending on the array periodicity. Experimental results are supported by finite-element simulations, in which the ITO-NRAs are treated both explicitly and as an effective hyperbolic media. Lastly, our work presents a low-loss HMM platform with favorable spectral tunability in the infrared range.« less

One-step solvothermal deposition of ZnO nanorod arrays on a wood surface for robust superamphiphobic performance and superior ultraviolet resistance

PubMed Central

Yao, Qiufang; Wang, Chao; Fan, Bitao; Wang, Hanwei; Sun, Qingfeng; Jin, Chunde; Zhang, Hong

2016-01-01

In the present paper, uniformly large-scale wurtzite-structured ZnO nanorod arrays (ZNAs) were deposited onto a wood surface through a one-step solvothermal method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TG), and differential thermal analysis (DTA). ZNAs with a diameter of approximately 85 nm and a length of approximately 1.5 μm were chemically bonded onto the wood surface through hydrogen bonds. The superamphiphobic performance and ultraviolet resistance were measured and evaluated by water or oil contact angles (WCA or OCA) and roll-off angles, sand abrasion tests and an artificially accelerated ageing test. The results show that the ZNA-treated wood demonstrates a robust superamphiphobic performance under mechanical impact, corrosive liquids, intermittent and transpositional temperatures, and water spray. Additionally, the as-prepared wood sample shows superior ultraviolet resistance. PMID:27775091

Controlling Nanoantenna Polarizability through Backaction via a Single Cavity Mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ruesink, Freek; Doeleman, Hugo M.; Verhagen, Ewold; Koenderink, A. Femius

2018-05-01

The polarizability α determines the absorption, extinction, and scattering by small particles. Beyond being purely set by scatterer size and material, in fact polarizability can be affected by backaction: the influence of the photonic environment on the scatterer. As such, controlling the strength of backaction provides a tool to tailor the (radiative) properties of nanoparticles. Here, we control the backaction between broadband scatterers and a single mode of a high-quality cavity. We demonstrate that backaction from a microtoroid ring resonator significantly alters the polarizability of an array of nanorods: the polarizability is renormalized as fields scattered from—and returning to—the nanorods via the ring resonator depolarize the rods. Moreover, we show that it is possible to control the strength of the backaction by exploiting the diffractive properties of the array. This perturbation of a strong scatterer by a nearby cavity has important implications for hybrid plasmonic-photonic resonators and the understanding of coupled optical resonators in general.

Integrated photoelectrochemical energy storage: solar hydrogen generation and supercapacitor.

PubMed

Xia, Xinhui; Luo, Jingshan; Zeng, Zhiyuan; Guan, Cao; Zhang, Yongqi; Tu, Jiangping; Zhang, Hua; Fan, Hong Jin

2012-01-01

Current solar energy harvest and storage are so far realized by independent technologies (such as solar cell and batteries), by which only a fraction of solar energy is utilized. It is highly desirable to improve the utilization efficiency of solar energy. Here, we construct an integrated photoelectrochemical device with simultaneous supercapacitor and hydrogen evolution functions based on TiO(2)/transition metal hydroxides/oxides core/shell nanorod arrays. The feasibility of solar-driven pseudocapacitance is clearly demonstrated, and the charge/discharge is indicated by reversible color changes (photochromism). In such an integrated device, the photogenerated electrons are utilized for H(2) generation and holes for pseudocapacitive charging, so that both the reductive and oxidative energies are captured and converted. Specific capacitances of 482 F g(-1) at 0.5 A g(-1) and 287 F g(-1) at 1 A g(-1) are obtained with TiO(2)/Ni(OH)(2) nanorod arrays. This study provides a new research strategy for integrated pseudocapacitor and solar energy application.

ZnO nanorod arrays and direct wire bonding on GaN surfaces for rapid fabrication of antireflective, high-temperature ultraviolet sensors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

So, Hongyun; Senesky, Debbie G.

2016-11-01

Rapid, cost-effective, and simple fabrication/packaging of microscale gallium nitride (GaN) ultraviolet (UV) sensors are demonstrated using zinc oxide nanorod arrays (ZnO NRAs) as an antireflective layer and direct bonding of aluminum wires to the GaN surface. The presence of the ZnO NRAs on the GaN surface significantly reduced the reflectance to less than 1% in the UV and 4% in the visible light region. As a result, the devices fabricated with ZnO NRAs and mechanically stable aluminum bonding wires (pull strength of 3-5 gf) showed higher sensitivity (136.3% at room temperature and 148.2% increase at 250 °C) when compared with devices with bare (uncoated) GaN surfaces. In addition, the devices demonstrated reliable operation at high temperatures up to 300 °C, supporting the feasibility of simple and cost-effective UV sensors operating with higher sensitivity in high-temperature conditions, such as in combustion, downhole, and space exploration applications.

Development of a Digital Microarray with Interferometric Reflectance Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sevenler, Derin

This dissertation describes a new type of molecular assay for nucleic acids and proteins. We call this technique a digital microarray since it is conceptually similar to conventional fluorescence microarrays, yet it performs enumerative ('digital') counting of the number captured molecules. Digital microarrays are approximately 10,000-fold more sensitive than fluorescence microarrays, yet maintain all of the strengths of the platform including low cost and high multiplexing (i.e., many different tests on the same sample simultaneously). Digital microarrays use gold nanorods to label the captured target molecules. Each gold nanorod on the array is individually detected based on its light scattering, with an interferometric microscopy technique called SP-IRIS. Our optimized high-throughput version of SP-IRIS is able to scan a typical array of 500 spots in less than 10 minutes. Digital DNA microarrays may have utility in applications where sequencing is prohibitively expensive or slow. As an example, we describe a digital microarray assay for gene expression markers of bacterial drug resistance.

A novel multifunctional electrochemical platform for simultaneous detection, elimination, and inactivation of pathogenic bacteria based on the Vancomycin-functionalised AgNPs/3D-ZnO nanorod arrays.

PubMed

Yang, Zhiqing; Wang, Yi; Zhang, Dun

2017-12-15

A novel fast, sensitive, and specific multifunctional electrochemical platform has been proposed for simultaneous detection, elimination, and inactivation of pathogenic bacteria for the first time. The platform is constituted with three-dimensional ZnO nanorod arrays (3D-ZnO) decorated with sliver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and functionalized with vancomycin (Van). Based on the specific recognition of Van for Gram-positive bacteria, the fabricated electrochemical platform has presented high detection sensitivity to Staphylococcus aureus with a low detection limit of 330cfu/mL and adaptable bacterial-elimination efficiency (50%) at low concentrations (1000-2000cfu/mL). Moreover, the platform has shown high antibacterial activity (99.99%) arising from the synergistic germicidal effect of the composited antibacterial AgNPs and Van units. The current work could provide new strategies to construct advanced platforms for simultaneous detection, elimination, and inactivation of various pathogenic bacteria. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improving the photovoltaic performance of the all-solid-state TiO2 NR/CuInS2 solar cell by hydrogen plasma treatment.

PubMed

Chen, Bingfeng; Niu, Wenzhe; Lou, Zirui; Ye, Zhizhen; Zhu, Liping

2018-07-06

The interfacial properties of the heterojunction between p-type and n-type materials play an important role in the performance of the solar cell. In this paper, a p-type CuInS 2 film was deposited on TiO 2 nanorod arrays by spin coating to fabricate an all-solid-state solar cell and the TiO 2 nanorod arrays were treated with hydrogen plasma(H:TiO 2 ) to ameliorate the interfacial properties. The influence of the hydrogen plasma treatment on the performance of the solar cell was investigated. The short-circuit current density was obviously raised and the power conversion efficiency of the solar cell improved to 0.30%, which is three times that of solar cells without hydrogen plasma treatment. The enhancement of the performance is attributed to not only the enhancement of carrier separation and transport, but the reduction of the recombination of electrons and holes, which is caused by hydrogen plasma treatment.

Detection of esophageal cancer cell by photoelectrochemical Cu2O/ZnO biosensor (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Chao-Hsin; Chu, Cheng-Hsun; Chen, Weichung; Wu, I.-Chen; Wu, Ming Tsang; Kuo, Chie-Tong; Tsiang, Raymond Chien-Chao; Wang, Hsiang-Chen

2016-03-01

We have demonstrated a Cu2O/ZnO nanorods (NRs) array p-n heterostructures photoelectrochemical biosensor. The electrodeposition of Cu2O at pH 12 acquired the preferably (111) lattice planes, resulting in the largest interfacial electric field between Cu2O and ZnO, which finally led to the highest separation efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers. High verticality ZnO nanorods by seed layer and thermal annealing assist the hydrothermal growth. The optimized Cu2O/ZnO NRs array p-n heterostructures exhibited enhanced PEC performance, such as elevated photocurrent and photoconversion efficiency, as well as excellent sensing performance for the sensitive detection of four strains of different races and different degree of cancer cell which made the device self-powered. We got spectral response characteristics and operating wavelength range of biosensor, and to verify the biological characteristics of cancer cells wafer react with different stages of cancer characterized by a cancer measured reaction experiment.

Effect of intrinsic zinc oxide coating on the properties of Al-doped zinc oxide nanorod arrays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saidi, S. A.; Mamat, M. H.; Ismail, A. S.; Malek, M. F.; Yusoff, M. M.; Sin, N. D. Md.; Zoolfakar, A. S.; Khusaimi, Z.; Rusop, M.

2018-05-01

The aim of this study was to explore the influence of intrinsic zinc oxide (ZnO) coating fabricated by a simple immersion method. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that the Al-doped ZnO nanorod arrays films had a hexagonal wurtzite structure, similar to that of an intrinsic ZnO coating. Structural properties of the samples were characterised using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM; JEOL JSM-7600F) and optical properties using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD results showed that all films were crystallized under hexagonal wurtzite structure and presented a preferential orientation along the c-axis (002) was obtained. The XRD results showed that the intrinsic ZnO coating material had a strong orientation, whereas the ZnO was randomly oriented. Overall these results indicate that intrinsic ZnO coating are pontetial for the creation of functional materials such as barrier protection, optoelectronic devices, humidity sensor and ultraviolet photoconductive sensor.

Improving the photovoltaic performance of the all-solid-state TiO2 NR/CuInS2 solar cell by hydrogen plasma treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Bingfeng; Niu, Wenzhe; Lou, Zirui; Ye, Zhizhen; Zhu, Liping

2018-07-01

The interfacial properties of the heterojunction between p-type and n-type materials play an important role in the performance of the solar cell. In this paper, a p-type CuInS2 film was deposited on TiO2 nanorod arrays by spin coating to fabricate an all-solid-state solar cell and the TiO2 nanorod arrays were treated with hydrogen plasma(H:TiO2) to ameliorate the interfacial properties. The influence of the hydrogen plasma treatment on the performance of the solar cell was investigated. The short-circuit current density was obviously raised and the power conversion efficiency of the solar cell improved to 0.30%, which is three times that of solar cells without hydrogen plasma treatment. The enhancement of the performance is attributed to not only the enhancement of carrier separation and transport, but the reduction of the recombination of electrons and holes, which is caused by hydrogen plasma treatment.

One-step solvothermal deposition of ZnO nanorod arrays on a wood surface for robust superamphiphobic performance and superior ultraviolet resistance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Qiufang; Wang, Chao; Fan, Bitao; Wang, Hanwei; Sun, Qingfeng; Jin, Chunde; Zhang, Hong

2016-10-01

In the present paper, uniformly large-scale wurtzite-structured ZnO nanorod arrays (ZNAs) were deposited onto a wood surface through a one-step solvothermal method. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry (TG), and differential thermal analysis (DTA). ZNAs with a diameter of approximately 85 nm and a length of approximately 1.5 μm were chemically bonded onto the wood surface through hydrogen bonds. The superamphiphobic performance and ultraviolet resistance were measured and evaluated by water or oil contact angles (WCA or OCA) and roll-off angles, sand abrasion tests and an artificially accelerated ageing test. The results show that the ZNA-treated wood demonstrates a robust superamphiphobic performance under mechanical impact, corrosive liquids, intermittent and transpositional temperatures, and water spray. Additionally, the as-prepared wood sample shows superior ultraviolet resistance.

Substrate-oriented nanorod scaffolds in polymer-fullerene bulk heterojunction solar cells.

PubMed

Ogawa, Yuta; White, Matthew S; Sun, Lina; Scharber, Markus C; Sariciftci, Niyazi Serdar; Yoshida, Tsukasa

2014-04-14

The use of a p-type inorganic semiconductor to form a nanorod scaffold within a polymer-fullerene bulk heterojunction solar cell is reported. The performance of this cell is compared to those made of the commonly used n-type scaffold of ZnO, which has been reported many times in the literature. The scaffold is designed to improve charge-carrier collection by increased mobility in thicker samples. Observations show that generally the device performance shows a negative correlation to nanorod length. By using CuSCN as a p-type inorganic scaffold, a very similar trend is observed. © 2014 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Towards measuring quantum electrodynamic torque with a levitated nanorod

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Zhujing; Bang, Jaehoon; Ahn, Jonghoon; Hoang, Thai M.; Li, Tongcang

2017-04-01

According to quantum electrodynamics, quantum fluctuations of electromagnetic fields give rise to a zero-point energy that never vanishes, even in the absence of electromagnetic sources. The interaction energy will not only lead to the well-known Casimir force but will also contribute to the Casimir torque for anisotropic materials. We propose to use an optically levitated nanorod in vacuum and a birefringent substrate to experimentally investigate the QED torque. We have previously observed the libration of an optically levitated non-spherical nanoparticle in vacuum and found it to be an ultrasensitive torque sensor. A nanorod with a long axis of 300nm and a diameter of 60nm levitated in vacuum at 10 (- 8) torr will have a remarkable torque detection sensitivity on the order of 10 (- 28) Nm/ √Hz, which will be sufficient to detect the Casimir torque. This work is partially supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No.1555035-PHY.

Optimization of GaN Nanorod Growth Conditions for Coalescence Overgrowth

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-02-04

GaN core and QW deposition, an NR LED array can be implemented by covering the NRs with a transparent conductor . It has been demonstrated that the...with a transparent conductor . It has been demonstrated that the optical and electrical performances of an NR LED array can be comparable to those of a...a process of buffered oxide etching for removing this SiNx layer on the sidewalls is required before sidewall QW deposition. Nevertheless, the

Electrical properties of TiO2 at different deposition frequencies and their application in ZnO/TiO2 based dye-sensitized solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saurdi, I.; Shafura, A. K.; Mamat, M. H.; Ishak, A.; Rusop, M.

2018-05-01

In this work, the titanium oxide (TiO2) films were deposited on glass substrate at different deposition frequencies (1, 2, 3 and 4 times) and therefore different of thicknesses been produced by using spin coating technique and their electrical and structural properties were investigated. The thicknesses of TiO2 films at different deposition frequencies (1, 2, 3 and 4 times) were 900μm, 1815μm, 2710μm and 3620μm respectively. Meanwhile, the resistivities of TiO2 films at different deposition frequencies (1, 2, 3 and 4 times) were 5.41 × 106Ωcm, 2.28 × 106Ωcm, 2.78 × 105Ωcm and 8.37 × 106Ωcm, respectively. The ZnO/TiO2 composite for ZnO nanorod and TiO2 been produced by deposited the TiO2 on top of ZnO nanorod at different deposition frequencies on ITO-coated glass substrate. The fabricated dye-sensitized solar cells of ZnO nanorod without TiO2, ZnO/TiO2 with a TiO2 thickness 900μm, ZnO/TiO2 with a TiO2 thickness 1815μm, ZnO/TiO2 with a TiO2 thickness 2710μm, ZnO/TiO2 with a TiO2 thickness 3620μm on top of ZnO nanorod were investigated. From the solar simulator measurement under AM 1.5 the solar energy conversion efficiency (η) of ZnO nanorod without TiO2, ZnO/TiO2- 900μm, ZnO/TiO2-1815μm, ZnO/TiO2-2710μm and ZnO/TiO2-3620μm were 0.99%, 1.87%, 2.11%, 2.54%, 2.27%, respectively. The DSSCs ZnO/TiO2 show better of efficiency as compared to ZnO nanorod without TiO2. Furthermore, the enhancement of ZnO/TiO2-2710μm DSSC also closely related with the improvement of electrical and structural properties of TiO2 at 3 deposition frequencies as compared with TiO2 at 1, 2 and 4 deposition frequencies.

Morphogenesis of nanostructures in glancing angle deposition of metal thin film coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brown, Timothy James

Atomic vapors condensed onto solid surfaces form a remarkable category of condensed matter materials, the so-called thin films, with a myriad of compositions, morphological structures, and properties. The dynamic process of atomic condensation exhibits self-assembled pattern formation, producing morphologies with atomic-scale three- dimensional structures of seemingly limitless variety. This study attempts to shed new light on the dynamical growth processes of thin film deposition by analyzing in detail a previously unreported specific distinct emergent structure, a crystalline triangular-shaped spike that grows within copper and silver thin films. I explored the deposition parameters that lead to the growth of these unique structures, referred to as "nanospikes", fabricating approximately 55 thin films and used scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction analysis. The variation of parameters include: vapor incidence angle, film thickness, substrate temperature, deposition rate, deposition material, substrate, and source-to-substrate distance. Microscopy analysis reveals that the silver and copper films deposited at glancing vapor incidence angles, 80 degrees and greater, have a high degree of branching interconnectivity between adjacent inclined nanorods. Diffraction analysis reveals that the vapor incidence angle influences the sub-populations of crystallites in the films, producing two different [110] crystal texture orientations. I hypothesize that the growth of nanospikes from nanorods is initiated by the stochastic arrival of vapor atoms and photons emitted from the deposition source at small diameter nanorods, and then driven by localized heating from vapor condensation and photon absorption. Restricted heat flow due to nanoscale thermal conduction maintains an elevated local temperature at the nanorod, enhancing adatom diffusion and enabling fast epitaxial crystal growth, leading to the formation and growth of nanospikes. Electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction analysis, and comparisons to related scientific literature, support this hypothesis. I also designed a highly modular ultrahigh vacuum deposition chamber, capable of concurrently mounting several different pieces of deposition equipment, that allows for a high degree of control of the growth dynamics of deposited thin films. I used the newly designed chamber to fabricate tailor-made nanostructured tantalum films for use in ultracapacitors, for the Cabot Corporation.

Preparation and characterization of nanorod-like TiO2 and ZnO films used for charge-transport buffer layers in P3HT based organic solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thao, Tran Thi; Long, Dang Dinh; Truong, Vo-Van; Dinh, Nguyen Nang

2016-08-01

With the aim of findingout the appropriate buffer layers for organic solar cells (OSC), TiO2 and ZnO on ITO/glass were prepared as nanorod-like thin films. The TiO2 films were crystallyzed in the anatase phase and the ZnO films, in the wurtzite structure. The nanorods in both the fims have a similar size of 15 to 20 nm in diameter and 30 to 50 nm in length. The nanorods have an orientation nearly perpendicular to the ITO-substrate surface. From UV-Vis data the bandgap of the TiO2 and ZnO films were determined tobe 3.26 eV and 3.42 eV, respectively. The laminar organic solar cells with added TiO2 and ZnO, namely ITO/TiO2/P3HT:PCBM/LiF/Al (TBD) and ITO/ZnO/P3HT:PCBM/LiF/Al (ZBD)were made for characterization of the energy conversion performance. As a result, comparing to TiO2,the nanorod-likeZnO filmwas found to be a much better buffer layer that made the fill factor improve from a value of 0.60 for TBD to 0.82 for ZBD, and consequently thePCE was enhanced from 0.84 for TBD to 1.17% for ZBD.

High quality gold nanorods and nanospheres for surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Jin-Liang; Xu, Han-Hong; Zhang, Gui-Rong; Hu, Zhun; Xu, Bo-Qing

2012-12-01

Nearly monodisperse Au nanorods (NRs) with different aspect ratios were separated from home-synthesized polydisperse samples using a gradient centrifugation method. The morphology, size and its distribution, and photo-absorption property were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy. Subsequently, using colloidal Au NRs (36.2 nm ×10.7 nm) with 97.4% yield after centrifugation and Au nanospheres (NSs) (22.9 ± 1.0 nm in diameter) with 97.6% yield as Au substrates, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) were recorded using laser excitation at 632.8 nm. Results show that surface enhancement factors (EF) for Au NRs and NSs are 6.2 × 105 and 5.7 × 104 using 1.0 × 10-6 M 2,4-D, respectively, illustrating that EF value is a factor of ˜10 greater for Au NRs substrates than for Au NSs substrates. As a result, large EF are a mainly result of chemical enhancement mechanisms. Thus, it is expected that Au NPs can find a comprehensive SERS application in the trace detection of pesticide residues.

High quality gold nanorods and nanospheres for surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid.

PubMed

Jia, Jin-Liang; Xu, Han-Hong; Zhang, Gui-Rong; Hu, Zhun; Xu, Bo-Qing

2012-12-14

Nearly monodisperse Au nanorods (NRs) with different aspect ratios were separated from home-synthesized polydisperse samples using a gradient centrifugation method. The morphology, size and its distribution, and photo-absorption property were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy. Subsequently, using colloidal Au NRs (36.2 nm ×10.7 nm) with 97.4% yield after centrifugation and Au nanospheres (NSs) (22.9 ± 1.0 nm in diameter) with 97.6% yield as Au substrates, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) were recorded using laser excitation at 632.8 nm. Results show that surface enhancement factors (EF) for Au NRs and NSs are 6.2 × 10(5) and 5.7 × 10(4) using 1.0 × 10(-6) M 2,4-D, respectively, illustrating that EF value is a factor of ~10 greater for Au NRs substrates than for Au NSs substrates. As a result, large EF are a mainly result of chemical enhancement mechanisms. Thus, it is expected that Au NPs can find a comprehensive SERS application in the trace detection of pesticide residues.

Approaches in controllable generation of artificial pinning center in REBa2Cu3O y -coated conductor for high-flux pinning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoshida, Y.; Miura, S.; Tsuchiya, Y.; Ichino, Y.; Awaji, S.; Matsumoto, K.; Ichinose, A.

2017-10-01

This paper reviews the progress of studies to determine optimum shapes of the artificial pinning center (APC) of REBa2Cu3O y thin films and coated conductors towards superconducting magnets operating at temperatures of 77 K or less. Superconducting properties vary depending on the kind and quantity of BaMO3 materials. Therefore, we study changes in the shapes of nanorods that are due to the difference in the quality of additives and growth temperature. In addition, we aim to control the APC using an optimum shape that matches the operating temperature. In particular, we describe the shape control of nanorods in SmBCO thin films and coated conductors by employing lower temperature growth (LTG) technology using seed layers. From the cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy observations, we confirmed that using the LTG method, the BaHfO3 (BHO) nanorods, which were comparatively thin and short in length, formed a firework structure in the case of SmBCO films with coated conductors. The superconducting properties in the magnetic field of the SmBCO-coated conductor with the optimum amount of BHO showed that {F}{{p}}\\max = 1.6 TN m-3 on a single crystalline substrate and 1.5 TN m-3 on metallic substrate with a biaxially textured MgO layer fabricated by ion-beam assisted deposition method tape 4.2 K.

Dispersion and alignment of nanorods in cylindrical block copolymer thin films.

PubMed

Rasin, Boris; Chao, Huikuan; Jiang, Guoqian; Wang, Dongliang; Riggleman, Robert A; Composto, Russell J

2016-02-21

Although significant progress has been made in controlling the dispersion of spherical nanoparticles in block copolymer thin films, our ability to disperse and control the assembly of anisotropic nanoparticles into well-defined structures is lacking in comparison. Here we use a combination of experiments and field theoretic simulations to examine the assembly of gold nanorods (AuNRs) in a block copolymer. Experimentally, poly(2-vinylpyridine)-grafted AuNRs (P2VP-AuNRs) are incorporated into poly(styrene)-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) thin films with a vertical cylinder morphology. At sufficiently low concentrations, the AuNRs disperse in the block copolymer thin film. For these dispersed AuNR systems, atomic force microscopy combined with sequential ultraviolet ozone etching indicates that the P2VP-AuNRs segregate to the base of the P2VP cylinders. Furthermore, top-down transmission electron microscopy imaging shows that the P2VP-AuNRs mainly lie parallel to the substrate. Our field theoretic simulations indicate that the NRs are strongly attracted to the cylinder base where they can relieve the local stretching of the minority block of the copolymer. These simulations also indicate conditions that will drive AuNRs to adopt a vertical orientation, namely by increasing nanorod length and/or reducing the wetting of the short block towards the substrate.

Monte Carlo simulation of secondary electron images for gold nanorods on the silicon substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, P.

2018-06-01

Recently, gold nanorods (Au NRs) have attracted much attention because at a particular photoelectricity the gold nanorods present a characteristic which is different from other types of Au nanomaterials with various shapes. Accurate measurement of aspect ratios does provide very high value of optical property for Au NRs. Monte Carlo (MC) simulation is thought of as the most accurate tool to perform size measurement through extracting structure parameters from the simulated scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image which best matches the experimental one. In this article, a series of MC-simulated secondary electron (SE) images have been taken for Au NRs on a silicon substrate. However, it has already been observed that the two ends of Au NRs in the experimental SEM image is brighter than that of the middle part. It seriously affects the accuracy of size measurement for Au NRs. The purpose of this work is to understand the mechanism underlying this phenomenon through a series of systematical analysis. It was found that the cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) which covers the Au NRs indeed can alter the contrast of Au NRs compared to that without CTAB covering. However, SEs emitting from CTAB are not the reason for the abnormal brightness at the two ends of NRs. This work reveals that the charging effect might be the leading cause for this phenomenon.

The mechanism of indium-assisted growth of (In)GaN nanorods: eliminating nanorod coalescence by indium-enhanced atomic migration.

PubMed

Xu, Zhenzhu; Yu, Yuefeng; Han, Jinglei; Wen, Lei; Gao, Fangliang; Zhang, Shuguang; Li, Guoqiang

2017-11-09

Both well vertically aligned and uniformly separated (In)GaN nanorods (NRs) were successfully grown on Si(111) substrates by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Effects of supplied indium (In) flux on the morphology of (In)GaN NRs were investigated systematically. The scanning electron microscopic analysis and transmission electron microscopic measurements revealed that the presence of In flux can help to inhibit NR coalescence and obtain well-separated (In)GaN NRs. By increasing the supplied In flux, the densities of (In)GaN NRs decreased and the axial growth rates increased. According to the energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry measurements and theoretical calculations, the increase of In content of the NRs enhanced Ga diffusion on the NR sidewalls, which resulted in an increased axial growth rate. A kinetic In-assisted growth model for the well-separated (In)GaN NRs is therefore proposed. The model explains that the presence of In flux not only reduces the density of (In)GaN NRs due to the increase in substrate surface migration of Ga adatoms at nucleation stage but also lead to a remarkable enhancement of axial growth rate at growth stage. Consequently, the NR coalescence was significantly suppressed. The results provide a demonstration of obtaining well-separated (In)GaN NRs and open up further possibility of developing (In)GaN NR-based optoelectronic devices.

High-Performance 2.6 V Aqueous Asymmetric Supercapacitors based on In Situ Formed Na0.5 MnO2 Nanosheet Assembled Nanowall Arrays.

PubMed

Jabeen, Nawishta; Hussain, Ahmad; Xia, Qiuying; Sun, Shuo; Zhu, Junwu; Xia, Hui

2017-08-01

The voltage limit for aqueous asymmetric supercapacitors is usually 2 V, which impedes further improvement in energy density. Here, high Na content Birnessite Na 0.5 MnO 2 nanosheet assembled nanowall arrays are in situ formed on carbon cloth via electrochemical oxidation. It is interesting to find that the electrode potential window for Na 0.5 MnO 2 nanowall arrays can be extended to 0-1.3 V (vs Ag/AgCl) with significantly increased specific capacitance up to 366 F g -1 . The extended potential window for the Na 0.5 MnO 2 electrode provides the opportunity to further increase the cell voltage of aqueous asymmetric supercapacitors beyond 2 V. To construct the asymmetric supercapacitor, carbon-coated Fe 3 O 4 nanorod arrays are synthesized as the anode and can stably work in a negative potential window of -1.3 to 0 V (vs Ag/AgCl). For the first time, a 2.6 V aqueous asymmetric supercapacitor is demonstrated by using Na 0.5 MnO 2 nanowall arrays as the cathode and carbon-coated Fe 3 O 4 nanorod arrays as the anode. In particular, the 2.6 V Na 0.5 MnO 2 //Fe 3 O 4 @C asymmetric supercapacitor exhibits a large energy density of up to 81 Wh kg -1 as well as excellent rate capability and cycle performance, outperforming previously reported MnO 2 -based supercapacitors. This work provides new opportunities for developing high-voltage aqueous asymmetric supercapacitors with further increased energy density. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Differentiation and classification of bacteria using vancomycin functionalized silver nanorods array based surface-enhanced raman spectroscopy an chemometric analysis

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The intrinsic surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was used for differentiating and classifying bacterial species with chemometric data analysis. Such differentiation has often been conducted with an insufficient sample population and strong interference from the food matrices. To address these ...

MILSTAR's flexible substrate solar array: Lessons learned, addendum

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gibb, John

1990-01-01

MILSTAR's Flexible Substrate Solar Array (FSSA) is an evolutionary development of the lightweight, flexible substrate design pioneered at Lockheed during the seventies. Many of the features of the design are related to the Solar Array Flight Experiment (SAFE), flown on STS-41D in 1984. FSSA development has created a substantial technology base for future flexible substrate solar arrays such as the array for the Space Station Freedom. Lessons learned during the development of the FSSA can and should be applied to the Freedom array and other future flexible substrate designs.

A flexible and transparent graphene/ZnO nanorod hybrid structure fabricated by exfoliating a graphite substrate.

PubMed

Nam, Gwang-Hee; Baek, Seong-Ho; Cho, Chang-Hee; Park, Il-Kyu

2014-10-21

We demonstrate the fabrication of a graphene/ZnO nanorod (NR) hybrid structure by mechanical exfoliation of ZnO NRs grown on a graphite substrate. We confirmed the existence of graphene sheets on the hybrid structure by analyzing the Raman spectra and current-voltage (I-V) characteristics. The Raman spectra of the exfoliated graphene/ZnO NR hybrid structure show G and 2D band peaks that are shifted to lower wavenumbers, indicating that the exfoliated graphene layer exists under a significant amount of strain. The I-V characteristics of the graphene/ZnO NR hybrid structure show current flow through the graphene layer, while no current flow is observed on the ZnO NR/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite without graphene, thereby indicating that the few-layer graphene was successfully transferred onto the hybrid structure. A piezoelectric nanogenerator is demonstrated by using the fabricated graphene/ZnO NR hybrid structure. The nanogenerator exhibits stable output voltage up to 3.04 V with alternating current output characteristics.

Fabrication of A/R-TiO2 composite for enhanced photoelectrochemical performance: Solar hydrogen generation and dye degradation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mahadik, Mahadeo A.; An, Gil Woo; David, Selvaraj; Choi, Sun Hee; Cho, Min; Jang, Jum Suk

2017-12-01

Anatase/rutile TiO2 nanorods composites were prepared by a facile hydrothermal method followed by dip coating method using titanium isopropoxide in acetic acid and ethanol solvent. The effects of the titanium isopropoxide precursor concentration, on the formation of dip coated anatase/rutile TiO2 nanorods composite were systematically explored. The growth of anatase on rutile TiO2 nanorods can be controlled by varying the titanium isopropoxide concentration. The morphological study reveals that anatase TiO2 nanograins formed on the surface of rutile TiO2 nanorod arrays through dip coating method. Photoelectrochemical analyses showed that the enhancement of the photocatalytic activities of the samples is affected by the anatase nanograins present on the rutile TiO2 nanorods, which can induce the separation of electrons and holes. To interpret the photoelectrochemical behaviors, the prepared photoelectrodes were applied in photoelectrochemical solar hydrogen generation and orange II dye degradation. The optimized photocurrent density of 1.8 mA cm-2 and the 625 μmol hydrogen generation was observed for 10 mM anatase/rutile TiO2 NRs composites. Additionally, 96% removal of the orange II dye was achieved within 5 h during oxidative degradation under solar light irradiation. One of the benefits of high specific surface area and the efficient photogenerated charge transport in the anatase/rutile TiO2 nanorod composite improves the photoelectrochemical hydrogen generation and orange dye degradation compared to the rutile TiO2. Thus, our strategy provides a promising, stable, and low cost alternative to existing photocatalysts and is expected to attract considerable attention for industrial applications.

Halide perovskite solar cells using monocrystalline TiO2 nanorod arrays as electron transport layers: impact of nanorod morphology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thakur, Ujwal Kumar; Askar, Abdelrahman M.; Kisslinger, Ryan; Wiltshire, Benjamin D.; Kar, Piyush; Shankar, Karthik

2017-07-01

This is the first report of a 17.6% champion efficiency solar cell architecture comprising monocrystalline TiO2 nanorods (TNRs) coupled with perovskite, and formed using facile solution processing without non-routine surface conditioning. Vertically oriented TNR ensembles are desirable as electron transporting layers (ETLs) in halide perovskite solar cells (HPSCs) because of potential advantages such as vectorial electron percolation pathways to balance the longer hole diffusion lengths in certain halide perovskite semiconductors, ease of incorporating nanophotonic enhancements, and optimization between a high contact surface area for charge transfer (good) versus high interfacial recombination (bad). These advantages arise from the tunable morphology of hydrothermally grown rutile TNRs, which is a strong function of the growth conditions. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy of the HPSCs demonstrated a stronger quenching of the perovskite PL when using TNRs as compared to mesoporous/compact TiO2 thin films. Due to increased interfacial contact area between the ETL and perovskite with easier pore filling, charge separation efficiency is dramatically enhanced. Additionally, solid-state impedance spectroscopy results strongly suggested the suppression of interfacial charge recombination between TNRs and perovskite layer, compared to other ETLs. The optimal ETL morphology in this study was found to consist of an array of TNRs ∼300 nm in length and ∼40 nm in width. This work highlights the potential of TNR ETLs to achieve high performance solution-processed HPSCs.

Synthesis of Millimeter-Scale Carbon Nanotube Arrays and Their Applications on Electrochemical Supercapacitors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cui, Xinwei

This research is aimed at synthesizing millimeter-scale carbon nanotube arrays (CNTA) by conventional chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) and water-assisted chemical vapor deposition (WACVD) methods, and exploring their application as catalyst supports for electrochemical supercapacitors. The growth mechanism and growth kinetics of CNTA under different conditions were systematically investigated to understand the relationship among physical characteristics of catalyst particles, growth parameters, and carbon nanotube (CNT) structures within CNTAs. Multiwalled CNT (MWCNT) array growth demonstrates lengthening and thickening stages in CCVD and WACVD. In CCVD, the lengthening and thickening were found to be competitive. By investigating catalyst particles after different pretreatment conditions, it has been found that inter-particle spacing plays a significant role in influencing CNTA height, CNT diameter and wall number. In WACVD, a long linear lengthening stage has been found. CNT wall number remains constant and catalysts preserve the activity in this stage, while MWCNTs thicken substantially and catalysts deactivate following the previously proposed radioactive decay model in the thickening stage of WACVD. Water was also shown to preserve the catalyst activity by significantly inhibiting catalyst-induced and gas phase-induced thickening processes in WACVD. Mn3O4 nanoparticles were successfully deposited and uniformly distributed within millimeter-long CNTAs by dip-casting method from non-aqueous solutions. After modification with Mn3O4 nanoparticles, CNTAs have been changed from hydrophobic to hydrophilic without their alignment and integrity being destroyed. The hydrophilic Mn 3O4/CNTA composite electrodes present ideal capacitive behavior with high reversibility. This opens up a new route of utilizing ultra-long CNTAs, based on which a scalable and cost-effective method was developed to fabricate composite electrodes using millimeter-long CNTAs. To improve the performance of the composites, epsilon-MnO2 nanorods were anodically pulse-electrodeposited within hydrophilic 0.5 mm-thick Mn 3O4 decorated CNTAs. The maximum gravimetric capacitance for the MnO2 nanorods/CNTA composite electrode was found to be 185 F/g, and that for epsilon-MnO2 nanorods was determined to be 221 F/g. After electrodeposition, the area-normalized capacitance and volumetric capacitance values were increased by a factor of 3, and an extremely high area-normalized capacitance of 1.80 F/cm2 was also achieved for the MnO2 nanorods/CNTA composite.

ZnO nanorods/ZnS.(1,6-hexanediamine)0.5 hybrid nanoplates hierarchical heteroarchitecture with improved electrochemical catalytic properties for hydrazine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Zhengcui; Wu, Yaqin; Pei, Tonghui; Wang, Huan; Geng, Baoyou

2014-02-01

Novel hierarchical heteronanostructures of ZnO nanorods/ZnS.(HDA)0.5 (HDA = 1,6-hexanediamine) hybrid nanoplates on a zinc substrate are successfully synthesized on a large scale by combining hydrothermal growth (for ZnO nanorods) and liquid chemical conversion (for ZnS.(HDA)0.5 nanoplates) techniques. The formation of ZnS.(HDA)0.5 hybrid nanoplates branches takes advantage of the preferential binding of 1,6-hexanediamine on specific facets of ZnS, which makes the thickening rate much lower than the lateral growth rate. The ZnS.(HDA)0.5 hybrid nanoplates have a layered structure with 1,6-hexanediamine inserted into interlayers of wurtzite ZnS through the bonding of nitrogen. The number density and thickness of the secondary ZnS.(HDA)0.5 nanoplates can be conveniently engineered by variation of the sulfur source and straightforward adjustment of reactant concentrations such as 1,6-hexanediamine and the sulfur source. The fabricated ZnO/ZnS.(HDA)0.5 heteronanostructures show improved electrochemical catalytic properties for hydrazine compared with the primary ZnO nanorods. Due to its simplicity and efficiency, this approach could be similarly used to fabricate varieties of hybrid heterostructures made of materials with an intrinsic large lattice mismatch.Novel hierarchical heteronanostructures of ZnO nanorods/ZnS.(HDA)0.5 (HDA = 1,6-hexanediamine) hybrid nanoplates on a zinc substrate are successfully synthesized on a large scale by combining hydrothermal growth (for ZnO nanorods) and liquid chemical conversion (for ZnS.(HDA)0.5 nanoplates) techniques. The formation of ZnS.(HDA)0.5 hybrid nanoplates branches takes advantage of the preferential binding of 1,6-hexanediamine on specific facets of ZnS, which makes the thickening rate much lower than the lateral growth rate. The ZnS.(HDA)0.5 hybrid nanoplates have a layered structure with 1,6-hexanediamine inserted into interlayers of wurtzite ZnS through the bonding of nitrogen. The number density and thickness of the secondary ZnS.(HDA)0.5 nanoplates can be conveniently engineered by variation of the sulfur source and straightforward adjustment of reactant concentrations such as 1,6-hexanediamine and the sulfur source. The fabricated ZnO/ZnS.(HDA)0.5 heteronanostructures show improved electrochemical catalytic properties for hydrazine compared with the primary ZnO nanorods. Due to its simplicity and efficiency, this approach could be similarly used to fabricate varieties of hybrid heterostructures made of materials with an intrinsic large lattice mismatch. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr05231a

Solution-processed zinc oxide field-effect transistors based on self-assembly of colloidal nanorods.

PubMed

Sun, Baoquan; Sirringhaus, Henning

2005-12-01

Colloidal zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocrystals are attractive candidates for a low-temperature and solution-processible semiconductor for high-performance thin-film field-effect transistors (TFTs). Here we show that by controlling the shape of the nanocrystals from spheres to rods the semiconducting properties of spin-coated ZnO films can be much improved as a result of increasing particle size and self-alignment of the nanorods along the substrate. Postdeposition hydrothermal growth in an aqueous zinc ion solution has been found to further enhance grain size and connectivity and improve device performance. TFT devices made from 65-nm-long and 10-nm-wide nanorods deposited by spin coating have been fabricated at moderate temperatures of 230 degrees C with mobilities of 0.61 cm(2)V(-1)s(-1) and on/off ratios of 3 x 10(5) after postdeposition growth, which is comparable to the characteristics of TFTs fabricated by traditional sputtering methods.

ZnO Nanorods Based Enzymatic Biosensor for Selective Determination of Penicillin

PubMed Central

Ibupoto, Zafar Hussain; Ali, Syed Muhammad Usman; Khun, Kimleang; Chey, Chan Oeurn; Nur, Omer; Willander, Magnus

2011-01-01

In this study, we have successfully demonstrated the fabrication of a biosensor based on well aligned single-crystal zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods which were grown on gold coated glass substrate using a low temperature aqueous chemical growth (ACG) method. The ZnO nanorods were immobilized with penicillinase enzyme using the physical adsorption approach in combination with N-5-azido-2-nitrobenzoyloxysuccinimide (ANB-NOS) as cross linking molecules. The potentiometric response of the sensor configuration revealed good linearity over a large logarithmic concentration range from 100 µM to 100 mM. During the investigations, the proposed sensor showed a good stability with high sensitivity of ~121 mV/decade for sensing of penicillin. A quick electrochemical response of less than 5 s with a good selectivity, repeatability, reproducibility and a negligible response to common interferents such as Na1+, K1+, d-glucose, l-glucose, ascorbic acid, uric acid, urea, sucrose, lactose, glycine, penicilloic acid and cephalosporins, was observed. PMID:25585565

ZnO Nanorods Based Enzymatic Biosensor for Selective Determination of Penicillin.

PubMed

Ibupoto, Zafar Hussain; Ali, Syed Muhammad Usman; Khun, Kimleang; Chey, Chan Oeurn; Nur, Omer; Willander, Magnus

2011-10-27

In this study, we have successfully demonstrated the fabrication of a biosensor based on well aligned single-crystal zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods which were grown on gold coated glass substrate using a low temperature aqueous chemical growth (ACG) method. The ZnO nanorods were immobilized with penicillinase enzyme using the physical adsorption approach in combination with N-5-azido-2-nitrobenzoyloxysuccinimide (ANB-NOS) as cross linking molecules. The potentiometric response of the sensor configuration revealed good linearity over a large logarithmic concentration range from 100 µM to 100 mM. During the investigations, the proposed sensor showed a good stability with high sensitivity of ~121 mV/decade for sensing of penicillin. A quick electrochemical response of less than 5 s with a good selectivity, repeatability, reproducibility and a negligible response to common interferents such as Na1+, K1+, d-glucose, l-glucose, ascorbic acid, uric acid, urea, sucrose, lactose, glycine, penicilloic acid and cephalosporins, was observed.

A selective potentiometric copper (II) ion sensor based on the functionalized ZnO nanorods.

PubMed

Khun, K; Ibupoto, Z H; Liu, X; Nur, O; Willander, M; Danielsson, B

2014-09-01

In this work, ZnO nanorods were hydrothermally grown on the gold-coated glass substrate and characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The ZnO nanorods were functionalized by two different approaches and performance of the sensor electrode was monitored. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was carried out for the confirmation of interaction between the ionophore molecules and ZnO nanorods. In addition to this, the surface of the electrode was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showing the chemical and electronic state of the ionophore and ZnO nanorod components. The ionophore solution was prepared in the stabilizer, poly vinyl chloride (PVC) and additives, and then functionalized on the ZnO nanorods that have shown the Nernstian response with the slope of 31 mV/decade. However, the Cu2+ ion sensor was fabricated only by immobilizing the selective copper ion ionophore membrane without the use of PVC, plasticizers, additives and stabilizers and the sensor electrode showed a linear potentiometric response with a slope of 56.4 mV/decade within a large dynamic concentration range (from 1.0 x 10(-6) to 1.0 x 10(-1) M) of copper (II) nitrate solutions. The sensor showed excellent repeatability and reproducibility with response time of less than 10 s. The negligible response to potentially interfering metal ions such as calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), potassium (K+), iron (Fe3+), zinc (Zn2+), and sodium (Na+) allows this sensor to be used in biological studies. It may also be used as an indicator electrode in the potentiometric titration.

Conformal Coating of a Phase Change Material on Ordered Plasmonic Nanorod Arrays for Broadband All-Optical Switching.

PubMed

Guo, Peijun; Weimer, Matthew S; Emery, Jonathan D; Diroll, Benjamin T; Chen, Xinqi; Hock, Adam S; Chang, Robert P H; Martinson, Alex B F; Schaller, Richard D

2017-01-24

Actively tunable optical transmission through artificial metamaterials holds great promise for next-generation nanophotonic devices and metasurfaces. Plasmonic nanostructures and phase change materials have been extensively studied to this end due to their respective strong interactions with light and tunable dielectric constants under external stimuli. Seamlessly integrating plasmonic components with phase change materials, as demonstrated in the present work, can facilitate phase change by plasmonically enabled light confinement and meanwhile make use of the high sensitivity of plasmon resonances to the variation of dielectric constant associated with the phase change. The hybrid platform here is composed of plasmonic indium-tin-oxide nanorod arrays (ITO-NRAs) conformally coated with an ultrathin layer of a prototypical phase change material, vanadium dioxide (VO 2 ), which enables all-optical modulation of the infrared as well as the visible spectral ranges. The interplay between the intrinsic plasmonic nonlinearity of ITO-NRAs and the phase transition induced permittivity change of VO 2 gives rise to spectral and temporal responses that cannot be achieved with individual material components alone.

PDMS-based triboelectric and transparent nanogenerators with ZnO nanorod arrays.

PubMed

Ko, Yeong Hwan; Nagaraju, Goli; Lee, Soo Hyun; Yu, Jae Su

2014-05-14

Vertically-grown ZnO nanorod arrays (NRAs) on indium tin oxide (ITO)-coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET), as a top electrode of nanogenerators, were investigated for the antireflective property as well as an efficient contact surface in bare polydimethysiloxane (PDMS)-based triboelectric nanogenerators. Compared to conventional ITO-coated PET (i.e., ITO/PET), the ZnO NRAs considerably suppressed the reflectance from 20 to 9.7% at wavelengths of 300-1100 nm, creating a highly transparent top electrode, as demonstrated by theoretical analysis. Also, the interval time between the peaks of generated output voltage under external pushing forces was significantly decreased from 1.84 to 0.19 s because the reduced contact area of the PDMS by discrete surfaces of the ZnO NRAs on ITO/PET causes a rapid sequence for triboelectric charge generation process including rubbing and separating. Therefore, the use of this top electrode enabled to operate the transparent PDMS-based triboelectric nanogenerator at high frequency of external pushing force. Under different external forces of 0.3-10 kgf, the output voltage and current were also characterized.

Enhanced non-enzymatic glucose biosensor of Ga-doped ZnO nanorods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Wan-Chan; Wang, Zi-Hao; Yang, Chih-Chiang; Huang, Chien-Sheng; Su, Yan-Kuin; Ruan, Jian-Long

2017-04-01

In this work gallium (Ga)-Doped ZnO nanorods (GZO NRs) successfully applied for the development of enzyme free glucose. GZO NRs synthesized by using the hydrothermal on ZnO seed layer was subsequently deposited onto the glass substrate. The GZO NRs electrode has peak currents increasing from 620 to 941μA with glucose concentration (6, 8 and 10 mM) in cyclic voltammograms. GZO NRs electrode sensitivity of the sensor to glucose oxidation was 33.4 (μA/mM-cm2). The GZO NRs modified electrode showed a greatly enhanced electrocatalytic property toward glucose oxidation, as well as an excellent anti-interference and a good stability.

Seed/catalyst-free growth of zinc oxide nanostructures on multilayer graphene by thermal evaporation

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

We report the seed/catalyst-free growth of ZnO on multilayer graphene by thermal evaporation of Zn in the presence of O2 gas. The effects of substrate temperatures were studied. The changes of morphologies were very significant where the grown ZnO structures show three different structures, i.e., nanoclusters, nanorods, and thin films at 600°C, 800°C, and 1,000°C, respectively. High-density vertically aligned ZnO nanorods comparable to other methods were obtained. A growth mechanism was proposed based on the obtained results. The ZnO/graphene hybrid structure provides several potential applications in electronics and optoelectronics. PMID:24533793

Self-assembly of Nano-rods in Photosensitive Phase Separation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ya; Kuksenok, Olga; Maresov, Egor; Balazs, Anna

2012-02-01

Computer simulations reveal how photo-induced chemical reactions in polymeric mixtures can be exploited to create long-range order in materials whose features range from the sub-micron to the nanoscale. The process is initiated by shining a spatially uniform light on a photosensitive AB binary blend, which thereby undergoes both a reversible chemical reaction and phase separation. When a well-collimated, higher intensity light is rastered over the sample, the system forms defect-free, spatially periodic structures. We now build on this approach by introducing nanorods that have a preferential affinity for one the phases in a binary mixture. By rastering over the sample with the higher intensity light, we can create ordered arrays of rods within periodically ordered materials in essentially one processing step.

Photoinduced Charge Transfer from Titania to Surface Doping Site

PubMed Central

Inerbaev, Talgat; Hoefelmeyer, James D.; Kilin, Dmitri S.

2013-01-01

We evaluate a theoretical model in which Ru is substituting for Ti at the (100) surface of anatase TiO2. Charge transfer from the photo-excited TiO2 substrate to the catalytic site triggers the photo-catalytic event (such as water oxidation or reduction half-reaction). We perform ab-initio computational modeling of the charge transfer dynamics on the interface of TiO2 nanorod and catalytic site. A slab of TiO2 represents a fragment of TiO2 nanorod in the anatase phase. Titanium to ruthenium replacement is performed in a way to match the symmetry of TiO2 substrate. One molecular layer of adsorbed water is taken into consideration to mimic the experimental conditions. It is found that these adsorbed water molecules saturate dangling surface bonds and drastically affect the electronic properties of systems investigated. The modeling is performed by reduced density matrix method in the basis of Kohn-Sham orbitals. A nano-catalyst modeled through replacement defect contributes energy levels near the bottom of the conduction band of TiO2 nano-structure. An exciton in the nano-rod is dissipating due to interaction with lattice vibrations, treated through non-adiabatic coupling. The electron relaxes to conduction band edge and then to the Ru cite with faster rate than hole relaxes to the Ru cite. These results are of the importance for an optimal design of nano-materials for photo-catalytic water splitting and solar energy harvesting. PMID:23795229

Photoinduced Charge Transfer from Titania to Surface Doping Site.

PubMed

Inerbaev, Talgat; Hoefelmeyer, James D; Kilin, Dmitri S

2013-05-16

We evaluate a theoretical model in which Ru is substituting for Ti at the (100) surface of anatase TiO 2 . Charge transfer from the photo-excited TiO 2 substrate to the catalytic site triggers the photo-catalytic event (such as water oxidation or reduction half-reaction). We perform ab-initio computational modeling of the charge transfer dynamics on the interface of TiO 2 nanorod and catalytic site. A slab of TiO 2 represents a fragment of TiO 2 nanorod in the anatase phase. Titanium to ruthenium replacement is performed in a way to match the symmetry of TiO 2 substrate. One molecular layer of adsorbed water is taken into consideration to mimic the experimental conditions. It is found that these adsorbed water molecules saturate dangling surface bonds and drastically affect the electronic properties of systems investigated. The modeling is performed by reduced density matrix method in the basis of Kohn-Sham orbitals. A nano-catalyst modeled through replacement defect contributes energy levels near the bottom of the conduction band of TiO 2 nano-structure. An exciton in the nano-rod is dissipating due to interaction with lattice vibrations, treated through non-adiabatic coupling. The electron relaxes to conduction band edge and then to the Ru cite with faster rate than hole relaxes to the Ru cite. These results are of the importance for an optimal design of nano-materials for photo-catalytic water splitting and solar energy harvesting.

Detoxification of gold nanorods by conjugation with thiolated poly(ethylene glycol) and their assessment as SERS-active carriers of Raman tags

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boca, Sanda C.; Astilean, Simion

2010-06-01

We present an effective, low cost protocol to reduce the toxicity of gold nanorods induced by the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) on their lateral surface as a result of the synthesis process. Here, we use thiolated methoxy-poly(ethylene) glycol (mPEG-SH) polymer to displace most of the CTAB bilayer cap from the particle surface. The detoxification process, chemical and structural stability of as-prepared mPEG-SH-conjugated gold nanorods were characterized using a number of techniques including localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). In view of future applications as near-infrared (NIR) nanoheaters in localized photothermal therapy of cancer, we investigated the thermal behaviour of mPEG-SH-conjugated gold nanorods above room temperature. We found a critical temperature at around 40 °C at which the adsorbed polymer layer is susceptible to undergo conformational changes. Additionally, we believe that such plasmonic nanoprobes could act as SERS-active carriers of Raman tags for application in cellular imaging. In this sense we successfully tested them as effective SERS substrates at 785 nm laser line with p-aminothiophenol (pATP) as a tag molecule.

Electromechanical and Photoluminescence Properties of Al-doped ZnO Nanorods Applied in Piezoelectric Nanogenerators

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Wen-Yang; Fang, Te-Hua; Tsai, Ju-Hsuan

2015-02-01

A piezoelectric nanogenerator based on Al-doped ZnO (AZO) nanorods with a V-zigzag layer is investigated at a low temperature. The growth temperature, growth time, growth concentration, photoluminescence (PL) spectrum, and AZO epitaxial growth on the ITO glass substrate using aqueous solution are reported and the associated electromechanical and PL properties are discussed. In general, the properties of piezoelectric nanogenerators and their functionality at ultralow temperatures (near liquid helium temperature) are important for applications in extreme environments. A V-zigzag layer is used to enhance the bending and compression deformation of the piezoelectric nanogenerator. The electromechanical properties of AZO nanorods are tested using an ultrasonic wave generator. Results show that the percent transmittance decreases with increasing growth time and growth temperature. The intensities of the PL spectrum and the (002) peak orientation increases with increasing growth temperature. AZO at a low growth temperature of 90 C has good piezoelectric harvesting efficiency when the piezoelectric nanogenerator has a zigzag structure. The average current, voltage, and power density of the piezoelectric harvesting are 0.76 A, 1.35 mV, and 1.026 nW/mm, respectively. These results confirm the feasibility of growing AZO at low temperature. AZO nanorods have potential for energy harvester applications.

ZnO nanorods/ZnS·(1,6-hexanediamine)(0.5) hybrid nanoplates hierarchical heteroarchitecture with improved electrochemical catalytic properties for hydrazine.

PubMed

Wu, Zhengcui; Wu, Yaqin; Pei, Tonghui; Wang, Huan; Geng, Baoyou

2014-03-07

Novel hierarchical heteronanostructures of ZnO nanorods/ZnS·(HDA)0.5 (HDA = 1,6-hexanediamine) hybrid nanoplates on a zinc substrate are successfully synthesized on a large scale by combining hydrothermal growth (for ZnO nanorods) and liquid chemical conversion (for ZnS·(HDA)0.5 nanoplates) techniques. The formation of ZnS·(HDA)0.5 hybrid nanoplates branches takes advantage of the preferential binding of 1,6-hexanediamine on specific facets of ZnS, which makes the thickening rate much lower than the lateral growth rate. The ZnS·(HDA)0.5 hybrid nanoplates have a layered structure with 1,6-hexanediamine inserted into interlayers of wurtzite ZnS through the bonding of nitrogen. The number density and thickness of the secondary ZnS·(HDA)0.5 nanoplates can be conveniently engineered by variation of the sulfur source and straightforward adjustment of reactant concentrations such as 1,6-hexanediamine and the sulfur source. The fabricated ZnO/ZnS·(HDA)0.5 heteronanostructures show improved electrochemical catalytic properties for hydrazine compared with the primary ZnO nanorods. Due to its simplicity and efficiency, this approach could be similarly used to fabricate varieties of hybrid heterostructures made of materials with an intrinsic large lattice mismatch.

Use of Standing Gold Nanorods for Detection of Malachite Green and Crystal Violet in Fish by SERS.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaowei; Nguyen, Trang H D; Gu, Liqun; Lin, Mengshi

2017-07-01

With growing consumption of aquaculture products, there is increasing demand on rapid and sensitive techniques that can detect prohibited substances in the seafood products. This study aimed to develop a novel surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) method coupled with simplified extraction protocol and novel gold nanorod (AuNR) substrates to detect banned aquaculture substances (malachite green [MG] and crystal violet [CV]) and their mixture (1:1) in aqueous solution and fish samples. Multivariate statistical tools such as principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) were used in data analysis. PCA results demonstrate that SERS can distinguish MG, CV and their mixture (1:1) in aqueous solution and in fish samples. The detection limit of SERS coupled with standing AuNR substrates is 1 ppb for both MG and CV in fish samples. A good linear relationship between the actual concentration and predicted concentration of analytes based on PLSR models with R 2 values from 0.87 to 0.99 were obtained, indicating satisfactory quantification results of this method. These results demonstrate that the SERS method coupled with AuNR substrates can be used for rapid and accurate detection of MG and CV in fish samples. © 2017 Institute of Food Technologists®.

Self-assembled growth and structural analysis of inclined GaN nanorods on nanoimprinted m-sapphire using catalyst-free metal-organic chemical vapor deposition

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Kyuseung; Chae, Sooryong; Jang, Jongjin

2016-04-15

In this study, self-assembled inclined (1-10-3)-oriented GaN nanorods (NRs) were grown on nanoimprinted (10-10) m-sapphire substrates using catalyst-free metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. According to X-ray phi-scans, the inclined GaN NRs were tilted at an angle of ∼57.5° to the [10-10]{sub sapp} direction. Specifically, the GaN NRs grew in a single inclined direction to the [11-20]{sub sapp}. Uni-directionally inclined NRs were formed through the one-sided (10-11)-faceted growth of the interfacial a-GaN plane layer. It was confirmed that a thin layer of a-GaN was formed on r-facet nanogrooves of the m-sapphire substrate by nitridation. The interfacial a-GaN nucleation affected both the inclinedmore » angle and the growth direction of the inclined GaN NRs. Using X-ray diffraction and selective area electron diffraction, the epitaxial relationship between the inclined (1-10-3) GaN NRs and interfacial a-GaN layer on m-sapphire substrates was systematically investigated. Moreover, the inclined GaN NRs were observed to be mostly free of stacking fault-related defects using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.« less

Direct hydrothermal growth of GDC nanorods for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hong, Soonwook; Lee, Dohaeng; Yang, Hwichul; Kim, Young-Beom

2018-06-01

We report a novel synthesis technique of gadolinia-doped ceria (GDC) nano-rod (NRs) via direct hydrothermal process to enhance performance of low temperature solid oxide fuel cell by increasing active reaction area and ionic conductivity at interface between cathode and electrolyte. The cerium nitrate hexahydrate, gadolinium nitrate hexahydrate and urea were used to synthesis GDC NRs for growth on diverse substrate. The directly grown GDC NRs on substrate had a width from 819 to 490 nm and height about 2200 nm with a varied urea concentration. Under the optimized urea concentration of 40 mMol, we confirmed that GDC NRs able to fully cover the substrate by enlarging active reaction area. To maximize ionic conductivity of GDC NRs, we synthesis varied GDC NRs with different ratio of gadolinium and cerium precursor. Electrochemical analysis revealed a significant enhanced performance of fuel cells applying synthesized GDC NRs with a ratio of 2:8 gadolinium and cerium precursor by reducing polarization resistance, which was chiefly attributed to the enlarged active reaction area and enhanced ionic conductivity of GDC NRs. This method of direct hydrothermal growth of GDC NRs enhancing fuel cell performance was considered to apply other types of catalyzing application using nano-structure such as gas sensing and electrolysis fields.