A facile method for patterned growth of ZnO nanowires using a black ink

Herein we present a simple route to grow patterned ZnO nanowires on various substrates using black ink. Without any metal catalysts or templates, the nanowires are selectively grown on the ink covered surface of the substrate by a chemical vapor transport and condensation method. The crystal and optical properties of the nanowires are dependent on the substrate materials. Dot patterned ZnO nanowires grown on Si substrate are demonstrated as a template for the enzyme immunoassay. This facile method for growth and patterning of inorganic nanostructures would be beneficial for easy and low-cost fabrication of micro and nano electronic, optoelectronic devices and sensors.