Selective growth of metal particles on ZnO nanopyramids via a one-pot synthesis

Abstract

Hybrid nanostructures of metal (Cu, Au, Ag)-ZnO nanopyramids were synthesized. These hybrid nanostructures possess two distinct morphologies where the metal can be selectively attached to either the base or the tip of the ZnO pyramids. This is the first time that such morphologies are reported for Cu-ZnO and Ag-ZnO hybrid nanostructures.

Controlled Growth of Supported ZnO Inverted Nanopyramids with Downward Pointing Tips

“…57 In this regard, most of the work done so far has concerned arrays of 1D ZnO systems grown on specific substrates 8,10,47,[49][50]53,57 whereas relatively few papers have reported on the growth of ZnO pyramids and cone-shaped structures, although the latter are highly desirable for many applications. 18,33,37 To date, the obtainment of ZnO-based nanopyramids has been most reported in a powdered form, 7,11,21,25,35,56 whereas only a few reports have described their fabrication as supported systems with upward pointing tips 13,37,62 and a very high density on the growth substrate. 18,23 Nevertheless, supported systems stand as a more attractive choice for functional applications, thanks to the lower tendency to sintering and/or deactivation and to the possibility of being directly integrated into functional devices.…”

Plasmonic nanostructures for light trapping in organic photovoltaic devices

“…They were rst discovered by Faraday during his study of the colors of colloidal metal nanoparticles (NPs). 28 Several particle shapes (e.g., spheres, prisms, cubes, rice grains, stars) [29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37] and periodic structures on the nanoscale (e.g., metal nanohole, 38,39 nanodiscs, 29,40 nanopillars 41,42 and nanogratings 43,44 arrays) have been successfully developed to induce SPs, with the optical properties readily tailored through modications in their sizes, shapes, and even the surrounding dielectric materials. 45 Accordingly, these nanostructures have great potential as effective optical tools for enhancing the absorption properties of OPVs.…”

Hollow nickel nanocorn arrays as three-dimensional and conductive support for metal oxides to boost supercapacitive performance

“…A threedimensional (3D) conductive metal framework, which is ideally suited for electrodes in batteries, supercapacitors, electrochemical catalysis and fuel cells, has been a very intriguing topic for decades. [15][16][17] To date only a very limited number of 3D nano-sized metal framework structures have been realized in some very particular material systems. For example, porous metal Ni and Au networks were obtained by a de-alloying process, 18,19 and microporous dendritic nano-Ni and nano-Cu lms were formed by electrodeposition.…”