Complex tribomechanical characterization of ZnO nanowires: nanomanipulations supported by FEM simulations

Abstract

In the present work, we demonstrate a novel approach to nanotribological measurements based on the bending manipulation of hexagonal ZnO nanowires (NWs) in an adjustable half-suspended configuration inside a scanning electron microscope. A pick-and-place manipulation technique was used to control the length of the adhered part of each suspended NW. Static and kinetic friction were found by a 'self-sensing' approach based on the strain profile of the elastically bent NW during manipulation and its Young's modulus, which was separately measured in a three-point bending test with an atomic force microscope. The calculation of static friction from the most bent state was completely reconsidered and a novel more realistic crack-based model was proposed. It was demonstrated that, in contrast to assumptions made in previously published models, interfacial stresses in statically bent NW are highly localized and interfacial strength is comparable to the bending strength of NW measured in respective bending tests.

Recent highlights in nanoscale and mesoscale friction

“…Only for very small structures, dynamic NC-AFM techniques are required in which the interfacial friction can be quantified based on the frequency shift induced by the resistance of the structure against movement [ 55 , 58 , 60 – 61 ]. Occasionally, AFM nanomanipulation is also combined with scanning electron microscopy, which then allows for a very defined interaction with the nanostructures and in situ monitoring of their movement [ 62 – 64 ].…”

Adhesion and Mechanical Properties of PDMS-Based Materials Probed with AFM: A Review

“…Beyond high-resolution surface visualization, AFM has lot of additional capabilities and operational modes [65,66] allowing measuring of various physical properties with high accuracy and in very small volumes. It makes AFM a perfect tool for studying mechanical [68][69][70], electrical [71], magnetic [72] and other properties of thin films, individual nanostructures, as well as individual grains and crystallites in bulk materials. It has become increasingly common to use AFM to probe also adhesion of various materials at the micro and nano levels.…”

Doped 1D Nanostructures of Transition‐metal Oxides: First‐principles Evaluation of Photocatalytic Suitability

“…Since structural reproducibility of experimentally synthesized ZnO nanowires, is noticeably higher than that obtained so far for TiO 2 nanotubes,, we do believe that the suitability of ZnO NW‐based photocatalysts is more reliable for practical applications. We are planning to extend the number of simulated nanostructures, both pristine and doped, for a theoretical estimate of their photocatalytic applicability, as well as to compare the calculated properties with those obtained for the corresponding newly synthesized nanomaterials.…”