Synthesis and Applications of ZnO Nanowire: A Review

The quest of different materials with nano scale properties which can fulfill the 21st century requirement has paves the way for the progress of one dimensional nanostructure mainly nanowires. Nanowires have a profound impact in nano electronics, nano devices and systems, nano composite materials, and renewable energy resources. The utilization of nanowires for biological sciences is expected to improve a lot to provide efficient treatments otherwise it would not have been possible. Metal oxide nanowires such as zinc oxide (ZnO), tin oxide (SnO2), silicon oxide (SiO2), indium oxide (In2O3), and titanium oxide (TiO2) etc. are widely used for various applications. However ZnO nanowires are first choice for researcher because of its fascinating properties like biocompatibility, biodegradability and bio safety not only for medical purpose but other applications also like gas sensor, biosensor, and nanogenerator or as a photocatalyst etc. Individual zinc oxide nanowire or groups of nanowires are generally used as active element for the different applications. The main aim of this article is to elaborate the various routes for synthesis of nanowires with challenges in the field of device fabrication and to review all possible applications of ZnO nanowires. Firstly possible mechanisms for the growth of ZnO nanowire from various methods, such as vapor liquid solid (VLS), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), r.f. sputtering, template based and chemical approach are discussed in detail. Secondly a wide range of ZnO nanowire applications like as gas sensor, biosensor, optoelectronic devices, nano generator and photo catalyst are explained in detail.