Large-Scale Hexagonal-Patterned Growth of Aligned ZnO Nanorods for Nano-optoelectronics and Nanosensor Arrays

TLDR

The synthesis employs a catalyst template from a self‑assembled monolayer of submicron spheres and guided vapor‑liquid‑solid growth on a single‑crystal alumina substrate. An effective approach is demonstrated for growing large‑area, hexagonally patterned, aligned ZnO nanorods with uniform shape, length, vertical alignment, and side surfaces defined by {21̄1̄0}, enabling patterned one‑dimensional nanostructures for sensor arrays, piezoelectric antenna arrays, optoelectronic devices, and interconnects.

Abstract

An effective approach is demonstrated for growing large-area, hexagonally patterned, aligned ZnO nanorods. The synthesis uses a catalyst template produced by a self-assembled monolayer of submicron spheres and guided vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth on a single crystal alumina substrate. The ZnO nanorods have uniform shape and length, align vertically on the substrate, and are distributed according to the pattern defined by the catalyst template. The nanorods grow along [0001] with side surfaces defined by {21̄1̄0}. This approach opens the possibility of creating patterned one-dimensional nanostructures for applications as sensor arrays, piezoelectric antenna arrays, optoelectronic devices, and interconnects.