Characterization of patterned quasi-1D ZnO nanowire arrays

Hexagonally patterned quasi-one-dimensional (quasi-1D) ZnO nanowire arrays have been successfully synthesized through a simple vapor transport process without metal catalysts. With the aid of a polystyrene microsphere self-assembled monolayer, sol-gel-derived ZnO thin film was used as the periodic nucleation sites for nanowire growth. High-quality quasi-1D ZnO nanowires were demonstrated via structural and optical measurements. A vapor transport solid condensation mechanism was proposed, in which the role of ZnO thin film was to provide nucleation sites for nanowire growth. This method provides a promising way to create quasi-1D ZnO nanostructures for applications such as two-dimensional photonic crystal, nanolaser arrays, sensor arrays, and optoelectronic devices.