Ge nanoparticles with sizes from 1 to 15 nm were synthesized by thermal decomposition of the germane precursors trichlorogermane, tetraethylgermane, and tetrabutylgermane. Experiments were performed in the organic solvents trioctylamine, squalene, and octacosane, which have boiling points in the temperature range from 380 to 429 °C. The use of high-boiling-point solvents extended the temperature range of the reactions, thus enabling the experiments to be conducted with organogermane precursors which have high decomposition points above 400 °C. Characterization by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy showed that, depending on the reaction temperature, the final decomposition products consist of amorphous Ge nanoparticles, nanocrystals, or nanowires that grow only in the 〈110〉 direction.

Use of biological machines and environments in novel bioinorganic nanostructures is critical for development of new types of biosensors, bio-NEMS devices, and functional materials. Lipid bilayers that mimic a cell membrane have already played an important role in such applications. We present supported lipid bilayers that spontaneously assemble in a continuous nanoshell around a template of a carbon nanotube wrapped with hydrophilic polymer cushion layers. We demonstrate that such 1-D lipid membranes are fluid and can heal defects, even over repeated damage-recovery cycles. A simple diffusion model can describe mobility of lipid molecules in these 1-D nanoshells. These structures could lead to the development of new classes of biosensors and bioelectronic devices.

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