Using non-continuous gold film as the seed layer for developing zinc oxide nanowire array

This study aims to discuss the grown morphology and current generation of ZnO nanowire array developed from non-continuous Au thin film as the seed and compare the results with the nanowire array from ZnO thin film as the seed layer. The zinc nitrate hexahydrate and hexamethylenetetramine used as the reaction solution and the hydrothermal process with process temperature less than 95°C are applied. It is revealed that ZnO nanowires developed with non-continuous Au film as the seed appear sparser density, present better crystallization direction (002) and higher collimation. The effect of concentration of reaction solution on the diameter, length and distribution of nanowires is reported. The electron back scattering diffraction technique confirms each grown wire is a single crystal from the bottom to top. The ZnO nanowires with piezoelectric property are measured with the conductive atomic force microscope system. The result shows that single ZnO nanowire could generate more than 800 pA current when being bent. (paper)