Zinc oxide quantum dots decorated carbon nanotubes for improved opto-electro-mechanical response

Abstract Hybrid nanostructures play a major role towards outstanding performance of nano-devices by coupling different functionalities. In this study, we report in-situ decoration of zinc oxide quantum dots (QDs) on the outer walls of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). The coupling of MWCNT and QDs not only provides excellent radiation sensitivity but also a high mechanical actuation induced by electrical polarization. A flexible thin paper-based device demonstrated combined opto-electro-mechanical performance under constant electric field with ∼122% enhancement in the response current for optoelectrical and ∼345% enhancement in actuation for electromechanical properties of the hybrid paper device as compared to the response from the pristine sample.