Biologically inspired synthesis of highly branched zinc oxide nanowires

Abstract

Biological mineralization demonstrates how nature can produce elegant structures through controlled organic–mineral interactions. These organics are often used to control shape, size and orientation of mineral. Inspired from nature, the authors utilize an organic agent, ethylenediamine, as a mineralizer to inhibit rapid hydrolysis and condensation of zinc oxide, and thus control crystal growth behavior. Through adjustment of synthesis parameters, such as precursor concentration and the molar ratio of the inorganic precursor and organic ligands, the authors investigate the mechanism of formation of highly branched zinc oxide nanostructures, which can be used for improving efficiency in energy conversion and water purification applications.

Bio‐Inspired Functional Materials for Environmental Applications

“…Thus, the use vapor controlled addition of a base (ammonia) to a precursor solution or the implementation of metal-binding ligands were used in the synthesis of ZnO to dictate morphological features (Figure 4.2h,i). [287,288] Beyond enzymatic routes toward inorganic materials, there are a number of critical findings demonstrating the power of biomimicry toward controlling material synthesis as well as critical understanding of the mechanisms by which biological biomimetic systems traverse free energy landscapes to arrive at specific phases. [289,290] Researchers have successfully prepared nanocomposites of metal and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) by using chemical or photochemical reduction methods to deposit platinum, gold, or silver nanoparticles on the external surface or within the 4-nm central channel of TMV.…”

“…Thus, the use vapor controlled addition of a base (ammonia) to a precursor solution or the implementation of metal‐binding ligands were used in the synthesis of ZnO to dictate morphological features (Figure 4.2h,i). [ 287,288 ]…”

“…SEM images of Zn 2+ : EDA molar ratios = 1:0 h) and 1:1 i) on the effect on morphology. Reproduced with permission [288]. Copyright 2014, Emerald Publishing Limited.…”

Editorial

“…In their short communication Hou et al investigated the biomimetic synthesis of highly branched zinc oxide nanostructures with particular attention to inhibiting the rapidity of hydrolysis and condensation reaction thus controlling the growth of nanorod crystals. 2 The chemical mechanism has been discussed with further comments on possible improvement in energy conversion and purification applications.…”

Oriented epitaxial TiO2nanowires for water splitting

“…Research efforts to date have focused on the enhancement of the energy conversion efficiency of photoelectrochemical water splitting, which is limited by a number of factors including (i) poor visible light sensitivity, (ii) high charge carrier recombination, (iii) poor water oxidation kinetics, and (iv) poor charge transport within the photoelectrode and overall cell [12]. The use of single crystalline one-dimensional materials with controlled orientation and superior charge transport properties promises to address these challenges, with such architectures finding utility in a range of energy conversion applications [13][14][15][16][17]. The engineering of the photo-electrode surface via the use of TiO 2 nanowires (TNWs) can similarly serve to improve water splitting performance by providing a means to optimize surface morphology for the purposes of tailoring surface area, light absorption/scattering, and direct photo-charge carrier pathways [11].…”