Electrodeposition of metals into nano/micropores of templates: a type of electrochemistry under confinement (review)

Abstract

Electrodeposition of metals into nanopores of templates represents a crucial area of study within the field of confinement-controlled electrochemistry. This review addresses the templated synthesis of nanocomposites (nonmetallic hard templates with one-dimensional cylindrical nanopores filled with metal or semiconductor) and single nanowires and nanotubes obtained by template dissolution. The focus is on the influence of electrochemical conditions such as electrolyte composition, electrodeposition regimes, and template characteristics on the morphological and physical properties of the resulting nanostructures. Additionally, this review introduces the theoretical modeling of mass transfer in templated electrodeposition, which is critical for understanding and optimizing the pore-filling processes and the uniformity of nanostructure formation. The potential applications of these nanostructures in fields such as electronics, optoelectronics, and catalysis are also discussed, highlighting their significant implications for advancing nanotechnology and materials science.