Functionalization of 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane Self-Assembled Monolayers on ZnO/Au nanowires: Role of the Seed layer

We grew two different types of ZnO nanowires (NWs), both grown using the vapor–liquid-solid (VLS) technique but with two distinct types of seed layers. Morphology and crystal structure were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The seed layer and subsequent heat treatment resulted in the fabrication of NWs with different orientations and morphologies. After 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS) functionalization, Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy revealed a shift in the spectra, whereas Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) technique shown a characteristic peak of the Si-O-Si bond that is related to the APTMS multilayer. A mechanism has been proposed for different phases of NWs and their interaction with the molecular species. This work could provide a basis for optimizing the specific orientation in ZnO NWs for their potential use as gas sensors or detect biological compounds for environmental applications.