ZnO nanowires: chemical growth, electrodeposition, and application to intracellular nano-sensors

In this paper we present our results on growth characterzation and nano devices based on ZnO nano structures. The ZnO nano structures were grown by mainly two methods, the catalytic Vapor Liquid Solid (VLS) and the low temperature chemical growth. We show that by multiple coating combined with low temperature chemical growth well aligned with size controlled ZnO nanowires on silicon substrates can be achieved. The dissolution, due to its important on the stability of ZnO nano structures in aqueous medium, is then discussed and some preliminary experimental results are shown. Basic Optical characteristics of ZnO nano-rods are briefly discussed. Finally, electrochemical intracellular nano-sensors based on ZnO nano-wires are demonstrated as efficient nanosensors for monitoring the human cell activity with minute pH changes