Novel nanoscale architectures: coated nanotubes and other nanowires

Abstract

Research has demonstrated that the structure and properties of a nanoscale system are inextricably linked. The advent of nanoscale research in 1991 relied upon nanoscale material production through random formation techniques, such as arc discharge, and the inherent properties and morphology of the system were therefore difficult to control. This article reviews some of the methods and ideas that have developed since the inception of nanotechnology, leading to fine control over the morphology of nanoscale systems and highlighting some interesting nanoscale architecture.

Gold Nanoparticles as Surface Defect Probes for WS2 Nanostructures

“…However, crystal defects and elastic strain induced by surface curvature may lead to a much more complex and stronger adhesion between the IF-WS 2 within the agglomerate . Decoration of carbon − and inorganic − nanotubes as well as carbon fullerenes , has been studied extensively. A recent study of the surface functionalization of the IF-WS 2 , using alkylsilane molecules, showed a great improvement of the dispersion of the IF-WS 2 in oil-based suspensions.…”

Introduction

“…& Rao (2004) nicely review the synthesis, properties and applications of some of these nanosystems. Similarly, Whitby et al . (2004) demonstrate that it is possible to create nanowires and composite nanotubes with layered materials with novel shapes.…”

Carbon nanotube-reinforced composites as structural materials for microactuators in microelectromechanical systems

“…Thus, conventional glass and carbon fibres cannot be used to reinforce micromachined structures since the fibre diameters range typically from 3 to 20 μm [9]. On the other hand, there is an emerging class of one-dimensional nanofibres (nanotubes, nanorods and nanowires) with diameters ranging from 1 to 100 nm [10], which are ideally suited in size to reinforce structures in MEMS. Carbon nanotubes are particularly attractive because they combine small size with exceptional mechanical properties [11,12].…”