Abstract
Novel one-dimensional single-crystalline ZnO nanorod and nanoneedle arrays on a Cu catalyst layer-coated glass substrate were investigated via a simple physical vapor-deposition method by thermal evaporation of Zn powder in the presence of O2 gas. The ZnO nanorods and nanoneedles were synthesized along the c-axis growth direction of the hexagonal crystal structure. The diameter and growth rate of the high-quality and well-oriented one-dimensional ZnO nanostructures is achieved as a function of varying growth temperature and growth time. This study serves as the basis for further research on the growth of 1D ZnO nanostructures on a cost-effective glass substrate and at low temperature.
•A novel ZnO nanostructures on glass substrates were successfully synthesized using VLS method.•Using Cu thin film as catalytic on glass substrate assisted ZnO nanostructure growth.•The growth of 1D ZnO nanorod and nanoneedle arrays was investigated.•The growth mechanism of ZnO nanorod and nanoneedle was controlled by varying the growth temperature and growth time.•The crystal quality of ZnO nanostructures strongly depends on the growth temperature and growth time.