Synthesis and Elastic Characterization of Zinc Oxide Nanowires

Abstract EN

Zinc oxide nanowires, nanobelts, and nanoneedles were synthesized using the vapor-liquid-solid technique.

Young's modulus of the nanowires was measured by performing cantilever bending experiments on individual nanowires in situ inside a scanning electron microscope.

The nanowires tested had diameters in the range of 200–750 nm.

The average Young's modulus, measured to be 40 GPa, is about 30% of that reported at the bulk scale.

The experimental results are discussed in light of the pronounced electromechanical coupling due to the piezoelectric nature of the material.