Spatially Correlated, Single Nanomaterial-Level Structural and Optical Profiling of Cu-Doped ZnO Nanorods Synthesized via Multifunctional Silicides

Abstract

We demonstrate a straightforward and effective method to synthesize vertically oriented, Cu-doped ZnO nanorods (NRs) using a novel multipurpose platform of copper silicide nanoblocks (Cu3Si NBs) preformed laterally in well-defined directions on Si. The use of the surface-organized Cu3Si NBs for ZnO NR growth successfully results in densely assembled Cu-doped ZnO NRs on each NB platform, whose overall structures resemble thick bristles on a brush head. We show that Cu3Si NBs can uniquely serve as a catalyst for ZnO NRs, a local dopant source of Cu, and a prepatterned guide to aid the local assembly of the NRs on the growth substrate. We also ascertain the crystalline structures, optical properties, and spectroscopic signatures of the Cu-doped ZnO NRs produced on the NBs, both at each module of NRs/NB and at their ensemble level. Subsequently, we determine their augmented properties relative to the pristine form of undoped ZnO NRs and the source material of Cu3Si NBs. We provide spatially correlated structural and optical data for individual modules of Cu-doped ZnO NRs assembled on a Cu3Si NB by resolving them along the different positions on the NB. Ensemble-averaged versus individual behaviors of Cu-doped ZnO NRs on Cu3Si NBs are then compared. We further discuss the potential impact of such ZnO-derived NRs on their relatively unexplored biological and biomedical applications. Our efforts will be particularly useful when exploiting each integrated module of self-aligned, Cu-doped ZnO NRs on a NB as a discretely addressable, active element in solid-state sensors and miniaturized luminescent bioprobes.

Elucidation of Strain-Dependent, Zinc Oxide Nanorod Response for Nanorod-Guided Fluorescence Intensity

“…As it is critical to tune the NRs’ properties in such applications, various approaches have been employed to control the nanomaterials’ optical, electrical, and piezotronic behaviors. They include changing chemical compositions through doping [ 16 , 17 , 18 ], altering crystalline structures [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ], and applying a magnetic field [ 23 ]. More recently, mechanical strain has also been used to modulate ZnO properties [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 ].…”

Preparation and Application of Hybrid Nanomaterials

“…Another field of applied science currently benefitting from hybrid materials is health care. Potential biomedical applications are envisaged in the works by Truong et al [ 18 ] and by Predoi et al [ 19 ]. Truong and coauthors [ 18 ] reported the synthesis of vertically aligned Cu-doped Zn nanorods grown on a platform of Cu 3 Si nanoblocks.…”

“…Potential biomedical applications are envisaged in the works by Truong et al [ 18 ] and by Predoi et al [ 19 ]. Truong and coauthors [ 18 ] reported the synthesis of vertically aligned Cu-doped Zn nanorods grown on a platform of Cu 3 Si nanoblocks. The prepared nanocomposites showed an extended absorption edge and bioluminescence in the visible region, which paves the way to their application as bio-probes and luminescent markers.…”