We report the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires (NWs) grown via vapor-liquidsolid (VLS) process using Gold (Au) as a catalyst metal on aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) seed layer. During the growth procedure, the nucleation process helps us to obtain ZnO nanowires with Au on the tip, confirming the VLS growth mechanism. Different morphologies were obtained after the variation in the growth parameters in the VLS technique, and further, their role in the photocatalytic performance was studied.Changes in the structural properties of nanowires allowed us to modify the aspect ratio and surface area of the nanostructures. X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that the principal orientation of the nanowires was (002) in the present case. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the structural properties of 1-D nanostructures (nanowires), and statistical analysis revealed that the average diameter in the present case was found to be varied from 57 to 85 nm. Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) technique revealed the different elements present on the surface of ZnO NWs. Further, the compositional profile of nanostructures was cross-verified using Energy-dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). Photoluminescence (PL) and UV Visible studies were employed to study the optical properties of nanowires. UV-Vis measurements showed the role of different structural properties of nanowires on the absorption spectra, especially in the visible region. The ZnO nanowires were tested as photocatalysts for hydrogen production from water splitting reaction, and it was found in particular nanowires with random orientation with optimal diameter distribution show the stable and highest photocatalytic performance.
Developing low‐cost biosensing platforms for robust detection response and sensitivity at low concentrations is of great interest. This work reports synthesizing 1D ZnO nanostructured materials (1DZnO) with controllable properties utilizing a metal catalyst‐assisted vapor phase growth technique (VLS). The obtained materials are functionalized with (3‐aminopropyl) trimetoxysilane (APTMS) and immobilized with anti‐Escherichia coli enteropathogenic (EPEC) antibodies. Characterization results show changes in the optical and structural properties of 1DZnO that are correlated with the biofunctionalization methodologies. Further, the biofunctionalization process is assessed on 1DZnO surface platforms to obtain acceptable antibody immobilization efficiencies (52%, 96%, and 100%) using a low‐concentration antibody solution (30 µg ml−1). Special techniques such as focused ion beam micromachining and scanning tunneling electron microscopy are proposed to appreciate the semiconductor biofunctionalization layer around 1DZnO and explain the physics of the interaction process. It is found that morphology obtained from distinct synthesis methods, solvents, and functionalization agents can generate functional groups for biomolecule attachment. Remarkably, it is demonstrated that biofunctionalization on 1DZnO takes place all over a single nanostructure. This work presents a proof‐of‐concept focused on generating pathogen sensing platforms using 1DznO semiconducting materials, providing new insights into bio‐analytes interaction with structures at the nanoscale.
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