Size dependence of the mechanical properties of ZnO nanobelts

Abstract

The Young's modulus of ZnO nanobelts was measured using an atomic force microscope following the modulated nanoindentation method. The nanobelts have a rectangular cross-section, with width-to-thickness ratios ranging 1–10 and lengths up to a few millimetres. The Young's modulus of two nanobelts with width-to-thickness ratio of 2.2 and 1.3 was measured at 55 and 108 GPa, respectively, indicating a size dependence of the elastic properties of the nanobelts.

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the financial support from the Department of Energy under grant No. DE-FG02-06ER46293.