How Effective is Thermal Evaporation in Growing ZnO Nanowires on Construction Materials?

Abstract:

ZnO nanowires have been attracting much interest recently, for its plethora of potential applications, in particular, being a photocatalyst to treat air and water pollution. As one of the most promising treatments of environmental pollution, photocatalysis has been investigated in the past with TiO₂ and ZnO nanoparticles. However, TiO₂ is possibly carcinogenic, making the nontoxic, biocompatible ZnO a more attractive alternative. However, incorporating ZnO into a construction material like cement would leave most of it useless for photocatalysis (the same goes for the use of a paint containing it). An experiment was conducted by Le Pivert et al.¹ evaluating its effect on pollutants after being directly grown on the material surface, producing affirming results. The researchers used an unspecified “inexpensive and straightforward” hydrothermal process to synthesise ZnO nanowires. This study evaluates the feasibility of a different method — thermal evaporation, for growth of ZnO nanowires onto common construction materials such as cement, concrete, bricks, etc. Results in the growth of ZnO nanowires across a range of these materials will be compared.

¹ Le Pivert et al. Microsystems & Nanoengineering (2019) 5:57 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41378-019-0102-1