Synthesis of standing ZnO nanosheets and impact of Ag nanoparticles loading on its optical property

Anisotropic nanostructures, such as nanosheets, nanorods, etc., in many cases, generate superior physicochemical properties over a highly symmetric structure counterpart. Here, we present a straightforward method to grow vertically oriented ZnO nanosheet directly on fluorine-tin oxide substrate using a microwave-assisted quasi-hydrothermal method. We also found that the Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) loading on the surface can effectively modify their optical properties, the potential for upgrading its performance in the existing applications. Due to the simplicity of the technique, AgNPs-loaded standing ZnO nanosheet should find potential application in solar cells, sensing and photocatalysis. (author)