Template-controlled thermolysis of single-source-precursors

Abstract

Shape-defining hard templates containing arrays of aligned cylindrical nanopores have been exploited as a powerful tool in the synthesis of tubular; rod-like, and core shell-type one-dimensional (ID) nanostructures consisting of inorganic materials. Gaining control over the crystallinity, the crystal orientation, and the internal morphology of the products is a challenging task and obviously turns out to be crucial for adjusting the properties of the nanostructures. Template-controlled thermolysis of single-source-precursors inside nanoporous hard templates is a versatile route toward single-crystalline nanorods, but also polycrystalline and complex nanostructures can be produced. By alterations of the `single-source-precursors and reaction conditions and by exploiting the hard templates as reactants, several target materials, including compound semiconductors, metals, and spinel-type materials of varying crystallinity and morphology can be obtained. Moreover, core-shell nanowires have been accessible in this way. synthesized inside macroporous silicon or mesoporous alumina templates exhibit large aspect ratios and high uniformity in size and shape. Therefore the template-assisted-thermolysis of single-source-precursors represents a well-defined platform toward the straightforward synthesis and characterization of ID inorganic nanostructures. (C) 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim