Direct and large-area growth of one-dimensional ZnO nanostructures from and on a brass substrate

A convenient method for the direct and large-area growth of one-dimensional (1-D) ZnO nanostructures on a conductive brass substrate has been developed, consisting of thermal oxidation of a Cu0.66Zn0.34 alloy foil in the presence of oxygen. Various 1-D nanostructures such as nanowires, nanobelts, nanocombs, and nanosheets have been in situ grown on the brass substrate under different reaction temperatures and characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In this preparation, the Cu0.66Zn0.34 alloy foil functions as both Zn source and substrate for the growth of 1-D ZnO nanostructures; thus, the synthesis and assembly of ZnO nanostructures on a metallic substrate is accomplished in one step, and the naturally good adhesion or electrical connection between the ZnO nanostructures and the conductive substrate has been realized. This approach could prepare ZnO nanostructures on a brass substrate without size limitations. Such a configuration of product is a good field emitter as demonstrated in this study. The potential technological importance of the product, the simplicity of the preparation procedure, as well as the cheap commercial precursor of the Cu0.66Zn0.34 alloy foil makes this study both scientifically and technologically interesting.