Nanostructure and nanomaterial characterization, growth mechanisms, and applications

Abstract

Nanostructures are playing significant roles in the development of new functions and the enhancement of the existing functions of industrial devices such as sensors, transistors, diodes, lithium-ion batteries, and photovoltaic cells, due to their piezoelectricity, biocompatibility, and pyroelectrical characteristics. This research focused on the review of the characteristics of different nanostructures and nanomaterials such as ZnO, ZnS, MoS2, GO, TiO2, SnO2, and Fe2O3, their fabrication techniques, growth mechanisms, and applications. The factors affecting the growth mechanisms, the crystallographic natures, growth models of anisotropic nanostructures, and growth of nanocrystals, were also highlighted in this research. The existence of lattice mismatch, differential thermal expansion, and high deposition temperature, have affected uniform deposition of nanoparticles on substrates and caused heteroepitaxy, which has resulted in defective nanostructures. Although heteroepitaxy has negatively affected the characteristics and potential applications of nanostructures, it has also opened new research frontiers for potential new applications of nanostructures. The use of nanostructures for gas sensing is attributed to the high specific area, change of resistance on exposure to gases, and high photoconduction abilities, while the photon-carrier collection abilities and anti-reflectance qualities are vital for solar photovoltaic cells. Nanostructures have also been used as coating pigments to prevent corrosion of facilities, reduce urban heat islands and energy consumptions, due to the near infrared (NIR) reflective characteristics.

A brief review for fluorinated carbon: synthesis, properties and applications

“…Fluorinated carbon, owing to the properties of chemically stable, non-toxic, non-flammable, non-corrosive, excellent solvent-resistant, weather-resistant, as well as superhydrophobicity, is a promising insulating, waterproof and lubricating materials [33][34][35][36]. The low surface energy of fluorinated carbon results in a good lubricity.…”

Compressive Strength Prediction of PVA Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composites Containing Nano-SiO2 Using BP Neural Network

“…On the basis of a time-series model, Wang created an artificial neural network model of data mining to access the influence of cement curing stage on pozzolanic activity [29] and subsequently predicted the pozzolanic activity. Based on a series of tests, Ji and Lin established a prediction model of concrete strength and slump based on an artificial neural network [30]. Through the reverse derivation of the two prediction models, the calculation models to obtain the equivalent ratio of cement to water and the average paste thickness were established.…”

Generalized locally-exact homogenization theory for evaluation of electric conductivity and resistance of multiphase materials

“…The past fifty years have witnessed tremendous growth in the development and use of composite materials, the applications of which extend from microelectronic devices to advanced aerospace structural and engine components [1][2][3]. Compared to the monolithic metals, polymers and ceramics, whose properties are usually stable and do not vary spatially, fibrous composites possess some remarkable properties that can be manufactured and designed for specific applications by tailoring the internal microstructure such as fiber shapes, sizes and array patterns, as well as using reinforcement with different properties [3][4][5][6][7].…”