Experimental Design / Classroom Activity
Suggested Classroom Activity: Build a 3D ZnO nanowire using this kit to demonstrate the anisotropic c-axis growth of the wurtzite lattice.
- Compare the polar (0001) and nonpolar (10-10) faces.
- Discuss how surface charge influences nanowire directionality.
- Relate structural anisotropy to observed piezoelectric response
| Discipline |
Learning Outcome |
Example Applications |
| Materials Science |
Understand how ZnO’s wurtzite structure enables anisotropic growth into nanowires. |
Crystal defects, epitaxial alignment, nanorod synthesis. |
| Physics / Engineering |
Explore piezoelectric and semiconducting behavior of polar vs. nonpolar surfaces. |
Nano-generators, flexible electronics, sensors. |
| Chemistry |
Relate atomic arrangement to band gap, dopant effects, and photocatalytic activity. |
Photovoltaic coatings, photocatalysis, surface chemistry. |
| Nanotechnology Education |
Visualize nanoscale morphology in 3D to complement electron microscopy or simulation data. |
STEM teaching, research presentations, outreach exhibits. |
The image shows a simplified version of a zinc oxide (ZnO) "nanowire" model. We built it with only 3 subunits across to keep the cross section small without sacrificing strength. The model is 80mm across and 800mm long & uses 15mm bonds to get the highest aspect ratio.
There are no printed instructions for this model but we prepared starter versions showing one and two layers. The main thing to watch for is that no 2 atoms of the same color are adjacent & if you look down the "tube" you see 3 distinct channels.
Special thanks to Martin Plante of McMaster University, Hamilton, ON for his assistance in building this model.
