Highly flexible solution processable heterostructured zinc oxide nanowires mesh for environmental clean-up applications

Abstract

We report the fabrication of a fully solution-processed ZnO nanowires array on flexible stainless steel mesh. ZnO nanowires of uniform dimensions are radially and densely assembled over a large area of the mesh. Various metal and metal oxide nanoparticles are photochemically deposited onto the ZnO nanowires and the corresponding effects on the photocurrent are investigated. Furthermore, the stability and robustness of the heterostructured ZnO nanowires grown on the mesh are evaluated by assessing the photocurrent in response to on/off cycles as well as undergoing various bending configurations. Finally, the heterostructured nanowire mesh is preliminarily tested for photodegradation of organic compound and separation of oil–water mixture. The multifunctional heterostructured nanowire mesh has shown potential applications for environmental clean-up purposes.