Growing ZnO nanocrystals on polystyrene nanospheres by Extra Low-Temperature Atomic Layer Deposition

ZnO nanocrystals were grown onto PS nanospheres by ALD under extra-low-temperature conditions. Hydrophobic nature of PS and shadowing effects coming from colloidal assembly allowed us to control both concentration and spatial distribution of the ZnO nanocrystals. The resulting ZnO/PS nanocomposites showed enhanced absorption capabilities in the visible range, opening interesting technological applications.