Abstract

The seed layer-assisted synthesis of ZnO nanotubes has emerged as an efficient method to significantly enhance the structural and electronic characteristics of ZnO nanomaterials. By employing a carefully prepared seed layer, this technique facilitates the nucleation process, leading to the controlled growth of ZnO nanotubes with well-defined morphologies. Such precision in morphology is critical, as it directly influences the material’s functional properties. In this study, ZnO nanotubes with an average diameter of approximately 250 nm and a surface density of 22–25 nanotubes/µm2 were achieved following four cycles of coating. This layered approach allowed for consistent nanotube formation, enabling us to obtain a densely packed array of nanotubes with uniform structural characteristics across the substrate. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements confirmed the formation of ZnO nanotubes with an average crystal size of 40.8 nm. XRD results indicated a preferential growth orientation along the (002) crystallographic plane, suggesting a highly oriented structure conducive to enhanced electronic performance. Further insights were gained from Mott - Schottky and optical absorbance analyses, which revealed the n-type semiconducting behavior of the ZnO nanotubes and an optical bandgap of approximately 3.28 eV. In summary, this study demonstrates that the seed layer-assisted approach is a viable strategy to produce ZnO nanotubes with tailored properties, showcasing potential for applications in fields ranging from nanoelectronics to biosensors. The observed control over structural parameters and electronic characteristics highlights this synthesis technique as a valuable tool in the development of next-generation nanomaterials with specific functionality tailored to diverse technological applications. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2025.