Functionalization of ZrO2 nanofibers with Pt nanostructures: The effect of surface roughness on nucleation mechanism and morphology control

ZrO2 nanofibers with different surface roughness were employed as supports for the deposition of Pt nanostructures. When the nanofibers had a smooth surface, both homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation took place, producing Pt nanoparticles deposited on the nanofibers and free-standing Pt nanostars in the solution. By reducing the concentration of Pt precursor, Pt nanowires were formed on the nanofibers. For nanofibers with a rough surface, Pt nanoparticles were formed on the nanofibers through heterogeneous nucleation. These results demonstrate that the surface roughness had a significant impact on the nucleation mechanism and the morphology of the resultant Pt nanostructures.