ZnO Nanobridges and Nanonails

Abstract

Wurtzite ZnO nanobridges and aligned nanonails have been synthesized by thermal vapor transport and condensation method. The nanobridges have two rows of c -axis ZnO nanorods epitaxailly grown on the edges of the {0001} plane of the ZnO nanobelt. Some variations of the nanobridges have also been observed. The ZnO nanonails, with crystalline cap and small diameter shafts, grow along the c -axis. The shape of the nanonail cap and shaft varies. The nanobridges have very low concentration of indium in the structure and the nanonails are pure ZnO. These materials have potential in applications such as optoelectronics, etc.