Controllable Hydrothermal Growth of ZnO Nanowires on Cellulose Paper for Flexible Sensors and Electronics

Seamless integration of functional nanomaterials on paper can boost the functionality of paper-based flexible sensors and electronics. In this paper, we report the systematic study of a low-cost hydrothermal process for growing zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs) on cellulose paper substrates. To control the competition between homogeneous and heterogeneous nucleation and obtain ZnO NWs with superior morphology and high growth efficiency, we tune the critical growth parameters including temperature, assistant chemicals, and seeding layer. We experimentally confirm the necessity of ammonium hydroxide as assistant chemical in the growth solution, and achieve a condition that generates the highest weight growth percentage of 40% in the tested range. We quantify the weight growth percentage of ZnO NWs over growth time, measure the electrical resistance of the ZnO-NW paper, and eventually establish an experimental guideline for preparing ZnO-NW paper with desired electrical property. To demonstrate potential applications of the ZnO-NW paper, we use the obtained ZnO-NW paper for sensing of ultraviolet light and mechanical touch. This paper provides experimental insights into hydrothermal growth of ZnO NWs on paper, and could further inspire novel utilization of ZnO-NW paper for flexible sensors and electronics.