Nanowires: properties, applications and synthesis via porous anodic aluminium oxide template

Abstract

Quasi one-dimensional nanowires possess unique electrical, electronic, thermoelectrical, optical, magnetic and chemical properties, which are different from that of their parent counterpart. The physical properties of nanowires are influenced by the morphology of the nanowires, diameter dependent band gap, carrier density of states etc. Nanowires hold lot of promises for different applications. Basic electronic devices like junction diodes, transistors, FETs and logic gates can be fabricated by using semiconductor and superlattice nanowires. Thermoelectric cooling system can be fabricated by using metallic nanowires. Semiconductor nanowire junctions can be used for different opto-electronic applications. Moreover, periodic arrays of magnetic nanowires hold high potential for recording media application. Nanowires are also potential candidates for sensor and bio-medical applications.In the present article, the physical and chemical properties of nanowires along with their probable applications in different fields have been reviewed in detail. The review also includes highlights of the synthesis of nanowires via porous anodic aluminium oxide template since the technique is simple, cost-effective and a low temperature technique.

Synthesis and Characterization of Noble Metal Nanowires

“…The studies presented in the literature on simple magnetic nanowires based on Fe, Co and Ni show that the magnetic properties of nanowires materials are different from the bulk material. This is especially related to the shape anisotropy (Nielsch et al, 2001;Sarkar et al, 2007;Nguyen et al, 2006). The research studies show at the same time that the magnetic properties of nanowires are function of the pH value of the preparation solution.…”

CoNiP/Au Multisegment Magnetic Nanowires: Synthesis and Aminothiophenol (4-ATP) Functionalization

“…Organic solvents may be used to dissolve polymer templates. Particularly, two segments CoNiP and Au were deposited into a nanoporous polycarbonate membrane (50 nm in diameter) in order by changing the corresponding electrolytes in an electrodeposition cell [11,12]. The multisegment CoNiP/Au nanowires were separated from the polycarbonate membrane by dissolving the template in dichloromethane.…”

Sample preparation of anodised aluminium oxide coatings for scanning electron microscopy

“…Aluminium alloys are anodised before application in automotive and construction industries to provide corrosion resistance. Anodic aluminium oxide has also received attention from nanomaterials and catalysis researchers due to the highly-ordered nanoporous structures achievable through anodising at relatively mild conditions (Sarkar et al, 2007;Poinern et al, 2011;O. Sanz et al, 2011;A.…”