Controlled synthesis and manipulation of ZnO nanorings and nanobows

An experimental procedure is presented for the controlled synthesis and manipulation of ZnO nanorings and nanobows at high purity and large yield. Atomic force microscopy manipulation of the nanostructures demonstrates their mechanical toughness and flexibility. Extensive bending of the nanorings and nanobows suggests an extremely high deformation limit with the potential for building ultrasensitive electromechanical coupled nanoscale sensors, transducers, and resonators. (C) 2005 American Institute of Physics.