Growth of ZnO Nanorods Coated Carbon Nanotubes Structures by Aqueous Solution Method

Abstract

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures are grown on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using low temperature aqueous solution method. The growth is carried out in a two-step process, including synthesizing ZnO seeding layer and forming ZnO nanorods. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows the ZnO nanorods have well-distributedly grown on the carbon nanotubes. The field electron emission of carbon nanotubes and ZnO-coated carbon nanotubes are also measured. The results show that ZnO nanostructures grown onto carbon nanotubes exhibit a high emission current density and field-enhancement factors, which make it a potential candidate for further applications.