Catalytic Growth of Zinc Oxide Nanowires by Vapor Transport

Patterned nanowire networks of photoluminescent highly crystalline ZnO nanowires (see Figure) have been produced via the vapor–liquid–solid mechanism using gold as catalyst. The diameters of the nanowires can be controlled by varying the thickness of the gold layer. The size of the wires has an influence on their emission characteristics (see also cover).