Evidence of Graphene-like ZnO Nanostructures via Zinc Dimethoxide Hydrolysis-Condensation Under Ambient Conditions on a Au(111) Surface Using SERS: Simulation and Experiment

So far, the growth of graphene-like ZnO structures and nanostructures on different metallic substrates has been achieved ma i n l y by chemical vapor depositions techniques at ultrahigh vacuum conditions. We report for the first time, evidence of graphene-like ZnO structures and nanostructures via zinc dimethoxide hydrolysis-condensation under ambient conditions on a Au(111) gold-coated surface. Moreover, we also show that these systems can be monitored using a relatively accessible instrumentation technique such as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) in addition to other complementary techniques. Our experimental data were supported by computational simulations of graphene-like ZnO structures and nanostructures using DFT and TD-DFT methodologies. For the first time, the SERS features of graphene-like ZnO structures and nanostructures with hydroxyl-terminated edges are presented in addition to their corresponding calculated Raman features for periodic and nanosized models. The preparation and monitoring of these graphene-like ZnO structures and nanostructures by means of more accessible techniques is a key to driving advances in their performance as novel materials for energy, sensing , and catalysis applications.

Automated summary

This study reports the growth of graphene-like ZnO structures and nanostructures under ambient conditions for the first time, using zinc dimethoxide hydrolysis-condensation on a gold-coated surface. The systems can be monitored using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) and other complementary techniques. Computational simulations were performed to support the experimental data. The preparation and monitoring of these structures using more accessible techniques are crucial for advancing their performance in energy, sensing, and catalysis applications.