High‐Sensitivity Solid‐State Pb(Core)/ZnO(Shell) Nanothermometers Fabricated by a Facile Galvanic Displacement Method

Abstract

Solid‐Pb‐filled ZnO nanotubes are synthesized and tested for use as nanothermometers. The expansion of the filling with increasing temperature (see figure) — or the corresponding changes in capacitance — can be measured and related to temperature. The advantages of this nanothermometer are extremely low fabrication costs, superior reliability, and lower demands on structural integrity of the outer shell compared to nanothermometers based on liquid fillings.

Nanothermometers for Transmission Electron Microscopy – Fabrication and Characterization

“…Comparison of different core-shell structures in terms: melting temperature of the core, growth method, working temperature range, and thermal expansion coefficient (α). [19][20][21][22][23][27][28][29] Core-shell Melting temp. …”

“…[27,28] The filled nanotubes and gaps between the filling materials can be seen from the distinct contrast between the outer shell and the fillings, as shown in Figure 3. [27] In situ TEM was used to investigate the thermal expansion properties of solid Pb inside ZnO x nanocables in real time. Figure 4 demonstrates the thermal expansion behavior in the temperature range 25-300°C.…”

Observing liquid flow in nanotubes by 4D electron microscopy

“…Lead filled ZnO nanotubes were synthesized as previously described (17). Briefly, a 1x1 mm piece of zinc foil was immersed into a 1 mM aqueous solution of Pb(NO 3 ) 2 after its surface had been thoroughly scratched with a razor blade.…”

Nanowires sheathed inside nanotubes: Manipulation, properties and applications

“…Then the Pb(core)/ZnO(shell) nanostructures were reported on their growth on zinc substrate at room temperature [188] and their availablely used as a high-sensitivity nanothermometer [189], which is unique that it is the only available nanothermometer operating in the solid state.…”

“…In-situ TEM technique was used to investigate the thermal expansion properties of solid Pb inside the nanocables in real time [189]. Fig.…”