Explore how ZnO nanowires function in UV and gas sensors, as well as photocatalytic water-splitting. Learn structure–property relationships with the Indigo® Orbit™ ZnO nanowire model.
Zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs) are one-dimensional semiconductor structures with unique electronic and surface properties. Their directional charge transport, high surface-to-volume ratio, and polar surfaces make them ideal for UV sensors, gas detection, and photocatalytic applications. The Indigo® Orbit™ ZnO nanowire model allows students and researchers to visualize these structural features, linking nanoscale geometry to real-world device performance in clean-tech and engineering contexts.
Indigo Instruments has maintained a substantial inventory of genuine Cochranes of Oxford (Orbit) parts for 30+ years (scroll down to see "Skeletal (Orbit/Minit) and are compatible with every molecular model kit we have sold since day 1. This level of quality may appear expensive but no parts support from other vendors costs even more.
Use the Orbit ZnO Nanowire Model to explore how nanoscale structure impacts sensor and photocatalytic function. Students can investigate the relationship between geometry, surface area, and device performance.
UV Sensor Simulation: Visualize how electron transport along the nanowire affects UV photoconductivity. Compare to bulk ZnO or planar films to see the influence of dimensional confinement.
Gas Sensing Concept: Discuss how polar surfaces interact with gas molecules. Students can predict how nanowire orientation and surface area influence sensor responsiveness.
Photocatalysis Demonstration: Explore how a high surface-to-volume ratio enhances photocatalytic reactions. Discuss water-splitting or organic dye degradation as conceptual examples.
Design Challenge: Have students propose nanowire arrays or orientation patterns to maximize sensitivity or catalytic efficiency, linking model structure to engineering design principles.
Learning Outcomes / Key Features
Learning Outcome
Key Feature or Concept
Explain how ZnO nanowire structure affects charge transport
Orbit model demonstrates 1D electron motion and lattice orientation along the c-axis
Understand high surface-to-volume ratio effects
Nanowire morphology increases photocatalytic activity and gas adsorption
Connect polar surfaces to device functionality
Wurtzite lattice polarity enables piezoelectric responses and optoelectronic applications
Relate nanoscale geometry to sensor and photocatalytic design
Encourages concept-to-application reasoning for clean-tech and engineering contexts
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 130mm 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.
