Local control of ZnO nanorods growing on microstructures with an external electric-field assistance

Local control of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanorods growing onto microstructures through a solution rout under an external electric-field assistance was demonstrated. The nanorods were grown on predefined electrodes patterned by photolithography. Through applying a DC or AC electric field onto the microfabricated top electrode-pair, the site-selective growth of ZnO nanorods was realized while a DC voltage is applied onto the bottom electrode. Under a proper direct current field, ZnO nanorods only grow on the top cathode electrode. Nevertheless, ZnO nanorods under an alternating current electric field at megahertz grow on and between the top electrode-pair. This control method provides a promising approach for integrating ZnO nanorods into micro/nanoelectromechanical devices.