Tailoring of the electronic properties of ZnO-polyacrylonitrile nanofibers: Experiment and theory
Abstract We report the study of ZnO-polyacrylonitrile (ZnO-PAN) nanofibers fabricated by the combination of electrospinning and atomic layer deposition. The latter technique enables us to control the size of the surface of ZnO 1D nanostructures and hence its effectiveness for energy and biosensor applications. We observe the tendency of ZnO to form nanograins with increase of the layer thickness, and investigate the influence of the grain size on the electronic properties of the nanofibers. It is demonstrated that the ZnO work function (Φ) is strongly affected by surface band bending in the ZnO layer. The observed change of Φ in ZnO layers results from the curvature of the grain surface as …
Enhancement of Electronic and Optical Properties of ZnO/Al2O3 Nanolaminate Coated Electrospun Nanofibers
International audience; Nanolaminates are new class of promising nanomaterials with outstanding properties. Here we explored on the tuning of structural properties and the enhancement of electronic and optical properties of 1D PAN ZnO/Al2O3 nanolaminates designed by atomic layer deposition (ALD) and electrospinning. The influence of ZnO/Al2O3 bilayer thicknesses on the fundamental properties of 1D PAN ZnO/Al2O3 nanolaminates has been investigated. Due to the quantum confinement effect, the shift of XPS peaks to higher energies has been observed. Work function of Al2O3 was mostly independent of the bilayers number, whereas the ZnO work function decreased with an increase of the bilayer numbe…
Photoluminescence immunosensor based on bovine leukemia virus proteins immobilized on the ZnO nanorods
Bovine leukaemia virus (BLV) proteins gp51, which are serving as antigens for specific antibodies against BLV proteins (anti-gp51), were applied as biological recognition part in the design of immunosensor devoted for the determination of anti-gp51. The efficiency of the immobilization of BLV proteins gp51 on ZnO nanorod (ZnO- NR) modified glass (ZnO-NR/glass) surface was evaluated. The formation of antigen-antibody complex on the ZnO/glass modified by the BLV proteins gp51 (gp51/ZnO-NR/glass) was investigated by the determination of changes in ZnO photoluminescence. The applicability of gp51/ZnO-NR/glass in the design of photoluminescence based immunosensor was evaluated. Bovine serum albu…
Tailoring the Structural, Optical, and Photoluminescence Properties of Porous Silicon/TiO2 Nanostructures
The structural, optical, and photoluminescence properties of porous silicon (PSi)/titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanostructures were investigated. PSi structures consisting of macro- and mesoporous layers were fabricated by metal-assisted chemical etching, and then TiO2 was introduced inside the PSi matrix using the atomic layer deposition technique. We performed scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy to characterize the prepared and annealed PSi/TiO2 nanostructures. TEM and Raman analyses revealed that TiO2 had a crystalline anatase stru…
Optical properties of ZnO deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on Si nanowires
International audience; In this work, we report proof-of-concept results on the synthesis of Si core/ ZnO shell nanowires (SiNWs/ZnO) by combining nanosphere lithography (NSL), metal assisted chemical etching (MACE) and atomic layer deposition (ALD). The structural properties of the SiNWs/ZnO nanostructures prepared were investigated by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopies. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that all samples have a hexagonal wurtzite structure. The grain sizes are found to be in the range of 7-14 nm. The optical properties of the samples were investigated using reflectance and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The study o…
Whispering gallery mode resonators covered by a ZnO nanolayer
Abstract The exceptional ability of whispering gallery mode resonators (WGMRs) to confine light within makes them interesting for sensing applications. The small size and high values of quality (Q) factors of the WGMR can be combined with a broad range of supporting optical elements. The surface of the resonator can be coated to enhance the desired attributes. In this paper, the impact of the ZnO layer thickness on the Q-factor of the WGMR has been studied. WGMRs were fabricated on a tip of a standard telecom fiber melted with an oxyhydrogen flame. The surface of the WGMR was coated with ZnO nanolayers of different thickness (5–100 nm) by atomic layer deposition (ALD). The Q-factor of as-pr…
Gold coated porous silicon nanocomposite as a substrate for photoluminescence-based immunosensor suitable for the determination of Aflatoxin B1.
Abstract A rapid and low cost photoluminescence (PL) immunosensor for the determination of low concentrations of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) has been developed. This immunosensor was based on porous silicon (PSi) covered by thin gold layer (Au) and modified by antibodies against AFB1 (anti-AFB1). PSi layer was formed on silicon substrate, then the surface of PSi was covered by 30 nm layer of gold (PSi/Au) using electrochemical and chemical deposition methods and in such ways PSi/Au (El.) and PSi/Au (Chem.) structures were formed, respectively. In order to find PSi/Au the most efficiently suitable for PL-based sensor design, structure several different PSi/Au (El.) and PSi/Au (Chem.) structures were…
Influence of PDA Coating on the Structural, Optical and Surface Properties of ZnO Nanostructures
Polydopamine (PDA) is a new biocompatible material, which has prospects in biomedical and sensor applications. Due to functional groups, it can host wide range of biomolecules. ZnO nanostructures are well known templates for optical sensors and biosensors. The combination of ZnO and PDA results in a change of optical properties of ZnO&ndash
Application of polydopamine functionalized zinc oxide for glucose biosensor design
Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures are widely used in optical sensors and biosensors. Functionalization of these nanostructures with polymers enables optical properties of ZnO to be tailored. Polydopamine (PDA) is a highly biocompatible polymer, which can be used as a versatile coating suitable for application in sensor and biosensor design. In this research, we have grown ZnO-based nanorods on the surface of ITO-modified glass-plated optically transparent electrodes (glass/ITO). Then the deposition of the PDA polymer layer on the surface of ZnO nanorods was performed from an aqueous PDA solution in such a way glass/ITO/ZnO-PDA structure was formed. The ZnO-PDA composite was characterized by S…
Tuning of ZnO 1D nanostructures by atomic layer deposition and electrospinning for optical gas sensor applications
We explored for the first time the ability of a three-dimensional polyacrylonitrile/ZnO material—prepared by a combination of electrospinning and atomic layer deposition (ALD) as a new material with a large surface area—to enhance the performance of optical sensors for volatile organic compound (VOC) detection. The photoluminescence (PL) peak intensity of these one-dimensional nanostructures has been enhanced by a factor of 2000 compared to a flat Si substrate. In addition, a phase transition of the ZnO ALD coating from amorphous to crystalline has been observed due to the properties of a polyacrylonitrile nanofiber template: surface strain, roughness, and an increased number of nucleation …
Photoelectrocatalysis of paracetamol on Pd–ZnO/ N-doped carbon nanofibers electrode
Abstract The presence of pharmaceuticals in water bodies has become a major concern in recent years. An efficient and innovative way of eliminating these pollutants is through photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) degradation owing to its environmental sustainability and its ability to remove recalcitrant pollutants. In this study, palladium loaded zinc oxide/carbon nanofibers (CZnO–Pd) were employed as a novel photoanode for PEC degradation of paracetamol. The CZnO–Pd composite was prepared through electrospinning and atomic layer deposition (ALD). The obtained materials were characterized. Photoelectrochemical studies were carried out with linear sweep voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The removal…
Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of hybrid 1D core–shell structured nanocomposites based on ZnO/polydopamine
In the present work, we report on the modelling of processes at the zinc oxide and polydopamine (ZnO/ PDA) interface. The PDA layer was deposited onto ZnO nanorods (NRs) via chemical bath deposition. The defect concentrations in ZnO before and after PDA deposition were calculated and analysed. The ZnONRs/PDA core–shell nanostructures were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) measurements, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The TEM and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) measurements confirmed the conformal coating of PDA, while the PL emission from ZnO and ZnONRs/P…
Porous silicon based photoluminescence immunosensor for rapid and highly-sensitive detection of Ochratoxin A.
A rapid and low cost photoluminescence (PL) immunosensor for the determination of low concentrations of Ochratoxin A (OTA) has been developed. This immunosensor was based on porous silicon (PSi) and modified by antibodies against OTA (anti-OTA). PSi layer was fabricated by metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) procedure. Main structural parameters (pore size, layer thickness, morphology and nanograins size) and composition of PSi were investigated by means of X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. PL-spectroscopy of PSi was performed at room temperature and showed a wide emission band centered at 680 ± 20nm. Protein A was covalently immobilized …
Porous silicon photoluminescence biosensor for rapid and sensitive detection of toxins
A rapid and low cost photoluminescence (PL) immunosensor for the determination of low concentrations of Ochratoxin A(OTA) and Aflatoxine B1 (AfB1) has been developed. This biosensor was based on porous silicon (PSi) fabricated by metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) and modified by antibodies against OTA/AfB1 (anti-OTA/anti-AfB1). Biofunctionalization method of the PSi surface by anti-OTA/ anti-AfB1 was developed. The changes of the PL intensity after interaction of the immobilized anti-OTA/anti-AfB1with OTA/AfB1 antigens were used as biosensor signal, allowing sensitive and selective detection of OTA/AfB1 antigens in BSA solution. The sensitivity of the reported optical biosensor towards…
Photoluminescence Study of Defects in ZnO-Coated Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibers
International audience; Core-shell nanostructures of one-dimensional (1D) polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/zinc oxide (ZnO) were obtained by combining atomic layer deposition (ALD) and electrospinning. Nanofibers with different ZnO thicknesses were synthesized and investigated. The present work offers novel information about 1D ZnO structural defects and activation energies (Ea) by performing photoluminescence (PL) measurements. PL measurements of 1D ZnO/PAN samples were investigated from 77 K to 273 K (room temperature). By analyzing the obtained data of the emission spectrum, Ea and temperature coefficients were calculated. The results let us suggest an approximate model of defects in 1D ZnO/PAN s…
Investigating the mechanical properties of GeSn nanowires.
Germanium tin (GeSn) has been proposed as a promising material for electronic and optical applications due to the formation of a direct band-gap at a Sn content >7 at%. Furthermore, the ability to manipulate the properties of GeSn at the nanoscale will further permit the realisation of advanced mechanical devices. Here we report for the first time the mechanical properties of GeSn nanowires (7.1-9.7 at% Sn) and assess their suitability as nanoelectromechanical (NEM) switches. Electron microscopy analysis showed the nanowires to be single crystalline, with surfaces covered by a thin native amorphous oxide layer. Mechanical resonance and bending tests at different boundary conditions were use…
Analytical, thermodynamical and kinetic characteristics of photoluminescence immunosensor for the determination of Ochratoxin A
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the most widespread and dangerous food contaminants. Therefore, rapid, label-free and precise detection of low OTA concentrations requires novel sensing elements with advanced bio-analytical properties. In the present paper we report photoluminescence (PL) based immunosensor for the detection of OTA. During the development of immunosensor photoluminescent ZnO nanorods (ZnO-NRs) were deposited on glass substrate. Then the ZnO-NRs were silanized and covalently modified by Protein-A (Glass/ZnO-NRs/Protein-A). The latest structure was modified by antibodies against OTA (Anti-OTA) in order to form OTA-selective layer (Glass/ZnO-NRs/Protein-A/Anti-OTA). In order to im…
Photoluminescent Detection of Human T-Lymphoblastic Cells by ZnO Nanorods.
The precise detection of cancer cells currently remains a global challenge. One-dimensional (1D) semiconductor nanostructures (e.g., ZnO nanorods) have attracted attention due to their potential use in cancer biosensors. In the current study, it was demonstrated that the possibility of a photoluminescent detection of human leukemic T-cells by using a zinc oxide nanorods (ZnO NRs) platform. Monoclonal antibodies (MABs) anti-CD5 against a cluster of differentiation (CD) proteins on the pathologic cell surface have been used as a bioselective layer on the ZnO surface. The optimal concentration of the protein anti-CD5 to form an effective bioselective layer on the ZnO NRs surface was selected. …
Tuning of Structural and Optical Properties of Graphene/ZnO Nanolaminates
International audience; Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and graphene (G) have been extensively studied because of their unique physical properties. Here, Graphene-Zinc Oxide (G/ZnO) nanolaminates were fabricated, respectively, by chemical vapor deposition and low temperature atomic layer deposition technique. The number of obtained G/ZnO layers was tuned from 1 to 11 with a total thickness of 100 nm for all prepared nanolaminates. The structure, optical properties and interaction between G and ZnO were studied by X-ray methods, TEM, AFM, Raman and optical spectroscopy. The obtained results were interpreted and analysed taking into account strain and charge effects of graphene in G/ZnO nanostructures. We d…
Study on Structural, Mechanical, and Optical Properties of Al2O3–TiO2 Nanolaminates Prepared by Atomic Layer Deposition
Structural, optical, and mechanical properties of Al2O3/TiO2 nanolaminates fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD) were investigated. We performed transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray reflectivity (XRR), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), ellipsometry, UV–vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and nanointendation to characterize the Al2O3/TiO2 nanolaminates. The main structural, optical, and mechanical parameters of Al2O3/TiO2 nanolaminates (thickness, grain size, refractive index, extinction coefficient, band gap, hardness, and Young’s module) were calculated. It was established that with decreasing of the layer thickness, the …
Structural and optical properties of TiO2–Al2O3nanolaminates produced by atomic layer deposition
Structural and optical properties of Al2O3/TiO2 nanolaminates fabricated by atomic layer deposition (ALD) were investigated. We performed Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-Ray reflectivity (XRR), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy to characterize the Al2O3/TiO2 nanolaminates. The main structural and optical parameters of Al2O3/TiO2 nanolaminates were calculated. It was established that with decreasing of the layer thickness, the value of band gap energy increases due to the quantum size effect related to the reduction of the nanograins size. It was also shown that there is an interdiffusion layer at the Al2O3/TiO2 interface which plays a…
Metal Oxide Nanostructures in Sensing
Abstract Metal oxides are well-known materials for the sensor and biosensor applications. In fact, the surface of metal oxides is a key factor for effective interaction with target molecules. Tailoring of the surface properties of metal oxide allows improving sensitive properties. The recent advances in nanotechnology open new possibilities for applications of metal oxides. Reducing the grain size to nanoscale increases the active surface area and induces new effect due to the quantum confinement such as bandgap widening, room temperature photoluminescence, etc. The novel physical effects in metal oxide nanostructures could be used for the development of sensor tool with advanced parameters…
Scanning electrochemical microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy-based characterization of perforated polycarbonate membrane modified by carbon-nanomaterials and glucose oxidase
Abstract In this research, scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were applied for the evaluation of surface characteristics of electrochemical (amperometric) biosensor based on two composite structures consisting of perforated polycarbonate membrane modified by carbon-nanomaterials and glucose oxidase. The first structure consisted of the polycarbonate filter membrane, punctured by 400 nm holes (PCM) consequently modified with single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and graphene oxide (GO) layer (PCM/SWCNT/GO); and the other structure consisted of the same PCM, consequently modified with SWCNT and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) layer (PCM/S…
Influence of ZnO/graphene nanolaminate periodicity on their structural and mechanical properties
International audience; Structural, electronic and mechanical properties of ZnO/Graphene (ZnO/G) nanolaminates fabricated by low temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) were investigated. We performed scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM/TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), Raman spectroscopy, X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and nanoindentation to characterize the ZnO/G nanolaminates. The main structural and mechanical parameters of ZnO/G nanolaminates were calculated. The obtained results were analyzed and interpreted taking into account mechanical interaction and charge effects occurring at the …