Decoration of ZnO nanowires with Pt nanoparticles and their improved gas sensing and photocatalytic performance

Abstract

Pt nanoparticles were introduced on the surface of ZnO nanowires using a chemically driven self-assembly method. Through this controllable method, Pt-nanoparticle-functionalized ZnO nanowires (Pt NPs-ZnO NWs) with uniform particle dispersion, tunable Pt particle sizes, and narrow particle size distribution were obtained. Changes in the morphology of the decorative preparation were observed as the amount of linker reagent and the concentration of Pt nanoparticle solution were altered. The as-prepared Pt NPs-ZnO NWs with optimal morphology showed excellent gas sensing and photocatalytic performance. Tuning of the functionalities of photocatalytic and gas sensors can be obtained by tailoring the morphology of Pt NP-ZnO NW composite materials.