Synthesis, functionalization, and environmental stabilization of ZnO nanobridge transducers for gas and liquid-phase sensing

Three methods of functionalizing ZnO NW surfaces with biotin were demonstrated. Biotinylated ZnO NWs were found to dissolve during exposure to deionized (DI) water, so a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process was developed for parylene-A, a common moisture barrier with an amine group which allows further functionalization. Parylene-A coated ZnO NWs were found to be resistant to dissolution. Electrical measurements on parylene-A coated nanobridge devices showed normal operation with higher dark current and an attenuated response to UV and O₂, indicating the ability to modulate environmental sensitivity. This work demonstrates the novel use of parylene-A coatings as an encapsulation layer as well as a potential starting platform for general functionalization of ZnO NW devices for selective sensing.