Doctoral Dissertations

Jinfeng Wang

Abstract

"This dissertation focuses on the systematic study of techniques for characterization and synthesis of nanoscale materials. We have achieved several goals. Firstly, high number density uniform zinc oxide nanostructure growth has been achieved using thermal evaporation, through control of experimental parameters that include source material temperature, substrate temperature, substrate material, gas flow rate, and choice of catalyst. Aligned zinc oxide nanowires, randomly oriented zinc oxide nanowires, zinc oxide container-shaped structures, and zinc oxide nanobelts have been synthesized with high yield. Secondly, using a one parameter family of lattice fringe geometry curves, we show how to examine the epitaxial relationship between catalyst particles and a cylindrical support. Using digital darkfield techniques, this investigation can be automated. Thirdly, the structure relationship between catalyst particles and zinc oxide nanowires has been investigated using scanning and high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopes. A vapor-solid-solid growth model involving a hexagonal array of aligned growth regions is proposed in zinc oxide nanowire formation. Evidence indicates in particular that gold catalyst particles remain solid during ZnO nanowire growth. Finally, the effect of tin catalyst thickness on nanostructure formation has been investigated. The catalyst abundance on the substrate has a direct impact on its ability to absorb ZnO. The thicker coated substrates can absorb more source vapor, and form larger structures, than can thinner coated substrates"--Abstract, page iv.

Advisor(s)

Fraundorf, Phil
Waddill, George Daniel

Committee Member(s)

Miller, F. Scott, 1956-
Feldman, Bernard J.
Liu, Jingyue
Parris, Paul Ernest, 1954-

Department(s)

Physics

Degree Name

Ph. D. in Physics

Sponsor(s)

United States. Department of Energy
University of Missouri Research Board

Comments

Dissertation completed as part of a cooperative degree program with Missouri University of Science and Technology and the University of Missouri--St. Louis.

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Summer 2008

Journal article titles appearing in thesis/dissertation

  • Lattice fringe signatures of epitaxy on nanotubes
  • Growing ZnO nanowires via diffusion on Au
  • Effects of catalyst thickness on the growth of zinc oxide nanostructures
  • Vertically oriented zinc oxide nanocontainers grown on mica substrates

Pagination

xv, 143 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 129-142).

Rights

© 2008 Jinfeng Wang, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Electron microscopy
Nanostructured materials -- Synthesis
Nanostructured materials
Semiconductors
Zinc oxide

Thesis Number

T 9465

Print OCLC #

287169410

Electronic OCLC #

244567851

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