Facile fabrication of UV photodetectors based on ZnO nanorod networks across trenched electrodes

Using a low temperature hydrothermal synthesis method, ZnO nanorod networks have been directly grown across trenched Au microelectrodes arrays, which were modified with a layer of ZnO seeds. The characteristics of the current–voltage ( I – V ) and the photoresponse were obtained both in the dark and under ultraviolet illumination. The bridged nanorod network demonstrated a highly sensitive response to UV illumination in atmosphere at room temperature. It can be useful for nanoscale optoelectronic applications, serving as chemical sensors, biological sensors, and switching devices.