Role of Au in the Growth and Nanoscale Optical Properties of ZnO Nanowires

Metallic nanoparticles play a crucial role in nanowire growth and have profound consequences on nanowire morphology and their physical properties. Here, we investigate the evolving role of the Au nanoparticle during ZnO nanowire growth and its effects on nanoscale photoemission of the nanowires. We observe the transition from Au-assisted to non-assisted growth mechanisms during a single nanowire growth, with significant changes in growth rates during these two regimes. This transition occurs through the reduction of oxygen partial pressure, which modifies the ZnO facet stability and increases Au diffusion. Nanoscale quenching of ZnO cathodoluminescence occurs near the Au nanoparticle due to excited electron diffusion to the nanoparticle. Thus, the Au nanoparticle is critically linked to the nanowire growth mechanism and corresponding growth rate through the energy of its interface with the ZnO nanowire, and its presence modifies nanowire optical properties on the nanoscale.