Controlled Growth of One-Dimensional Oxide Nanomaterials

This article reviews the recent developments in the controlled growth of one-dimensional （1D） oxide nanomaterials, including ZnO, SnO2, In203, Ga203, SiOx, MgO, and Al203. The growth of 2D oxide nanomaterials was carried out in a simple chemical vapor transport and condensation system. This article will begin with a survey of nanotechnology and 1D nanomaterials achieved by many researchers, and then mainly discuss on the controlled growth of ID oxide nanomaterials with their morphologies, sizes, compositions, and microstructures controlled by altering experimental parameters, such as the temperature at the source material and the substrate, temperature gradient in the tube furnace, the total reaction time, the heating rate of the furnace, the gas flow rate, and the starting material. Their roles in the formation of various morphologies are analyzed and discussed. Finally, this review will be concluded with personal perspectives on the future research directions of this area.     

One-dimensional ZnO nanostructures: fabrication, optoelectronic properties, and device applications

One-dimensional (1D) zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures have been extensively and intensively studied for several decades not only for their extraordinary chemical and physical properties, but also for their current and future different electronic and optoelectronic device applications. This review provides a brief overview of the progress of different synthesis methods and applications of 1D-ZnO nanostructures. Morphology of ZnO nanostructures grown by various methods and progress in the optical properties are briefly described. Using low-temperature photoluminescence (LTPL) study, detailed informations about the defect states and impurity of such nanostructures are reported. Improvement of field emission properties by modifying the edge of 1D-ZnO nanostructures is briefly discussed. Applications such as different sensors, field effect transistor, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and photodetector are briefly reviewed. ZnO has large exciton binding energy (60 meV) and wide band gap (3.37 eV), which could lead to lasing action based on exciton recombination. As semiconductor devices are being aggressively scaled down, ZnO 1D nanostructures based resistive switching (RS) memory (resistance random access memory) is very attractive for nonvolatile memory applications. Switching properties and mechanisms of Ga-doped and undoped ZnO nanorods/NWs are briefly discussed. The present paper reviews the recent activities of the growth and applications of various 1D-ZnO nanostructures for sensor, LED, photodetector, laser, and RS memory devices.     

One-dimensional 8-hydroxyquinoline metal complex nanomaterials: synthesis,optoelectronic properties,and applications

One-dimensional (1D) 8-hydroxyquinoline metal complex nanomaterials exhibit distinctive characteristics that differ from those of their bulk counterparts. Owing to their small size, shape anisotropy, unique structures, and novel properties, these organometallic 1D nanostructures are promising candidates for various devices. This review highlights current progress in the synthesis of 1D 8-hydroxyquinoline metal complex nanomaterials and summarizes their optoelectronic properties and applications. The mainly synthetic strategies are divided into three categories, which include vapor phase growth, solution phase growth, and self-assembly. Special attention is paid to the formation mechanisms and the control measures for 1D nanostructured 8-hydroxyquinoline metal complexes. Other new methods such as template-based synthesis and electrospinning are briefly described. Merits and shortcomings of each synthetic strategy are simply discussed. Then, a variety of optoelectronic properties including luminescence, field emission, charge transport, photoconductivity, and photo-switching properties are reviewed, and their applications in optoelectronic devices, field emission, and templates are also surveyed. In the end, concise conclusions are provided, and personal perspectives on future investigations of 1D 8-hydroxyquinoline metal complex nanomaterials are proposed.     

One-Dimensional （1D） ZnS Nanomaterials and Nanostructures

One-dimensional （1D） nanomaterials and nanostructures have received much attention due to their potential interest for understanding fundamental physical concepts and for applications in constructing nanoscale electric and optoelectronic devices. Zinc sulfide （ZnS） is an important semiconductor compound of Ⅱ-Ⅵ group, and the synthesis of 1D ZnS nanomaterials and nanostructures has been of growing interest owing to their promising application in nanoscale optoelectronic devices. This paper reviews the recent progress on 1D ZnS nanomaterials and nanostructures, including nanowires, nanowire arrays, nanorods, nanobelts or nanoribbons, nanocables, and hierarchical nanostructures etc. This article begins with a survey of various methods that have been developed for generating 1D nanomaterials and nanostructures, and then mainly focuses on structures, synthesis, characterization, formation mechanisms and optical property tuning, and luminescence mechanisms of 1D ZnS nanomaterials and nanostructures. Finally, this review concludes with personal views towards future research on 1D ZnS nanomaterials and nanostructures.     

Evolution of Zinc Oxide Nanostructures through Kinetics Control

In-depth understanding of the kinetics of the vapor deposition process is substantial for advancing this capable bottom-up nanostructure synthesis approach into a versatile large-scale nanomanufacturing technology. In this paper, we report a systematic study of the vapor deposition kinetics of ZnO nanomaterials under controlled atmosphere and properly refined deposition conditions. The experiments clearly evidenced the self-catalyzed growth of ZnO NWs via the formation of ZnO nanoflowers. This result illustrated how ZnO morphologies were associated with the discrepancy between oxidation rate and condensation rate of Zn. The capability of switching the NW morphologies and possibly mechanisms was demonstrated by kinetically controlling the deposition system. The high Zn composition during the deposition resulted in strongly luminescent NWs, which can be used for optical imaging applications. This research discovered a fundamental kinetics that governs the mechanisms and morphology selection of nanostructures in a non-catalyst growth system.     

2D Zinc Oxide – Synthesis,Methodologies, Reaction Mechanism,and Applications

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a thermally stable n-type semiconducting material. ZnO 2D nanosheets have mainly gained substantial attention due to their unique properties, such as direct bandgap and strong excitonic binding energy at room temperature. These are widely utilized in piezotronics, energy storage, photodetectors, light-emitting diodes, solar cells, gas sensors, and photocatalysis. Notably, the chemical properties and performances of ZnO nanosheets largely depend on the nano-structuring that can be regulated and controlled through modulating synthetic strategies. Two synthetic approaches, top–down and bottom–up, are mainly employed for preparing ZnO 2D nanomaterials. However, owing to better results in producing defect-free nanostructures, homogenous chemical composition, etc., the bottom–up approach is extensively used compared to the top–down method for preparing ZnO 2D nanosheets. This review presents a comprehensive study on designing and developing 2D ZnO nanomaterials, followed by accenting its potential applications. To begin with, various synthetic strategies and attributes of ZnO 2D nanosheets are discussed, followed by focusing on methodologies and reaction mechanisms. Then, their deliberation toward batteries, supercapacitors, electronics/optoelectronics, photocatalysis, sensing, and piezoelectronic platforms are further discussed. Finally, the challenges and future opportunities are featured based on its current development.     

Functionalized Nanomaterial Assembling and Biosynthesis Using the Extremophile Deinococcus radiodurans for Multifunctional Applications

The development of functionalized nanomaterial biosynthesis processes is important to expand many cutting‐edge nanomaterial application areas. However, unclear synthesis mechanisms and low synthesis efficiency under various chemical stresses have limited the use of these biomaterials. Deinococcus radiodurans is an extreme bacterium well known for its exceptional resistance to radiation oxidants and electrophilic agents. This extremophile, which possesses a spontaneous self‐assembled surface‐layer (S‐layer), has been an optimal model organism to study microbial nanomaterial biotemplates and biosynthesis under various stresses. This review summarizes the S‐layers from D. radiodurans as an excellent biotemplate for various pre‐synthesized nanomaterials and multiple applications, and highlights recent progresses about the biosynthesis of functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), as well as gold and silver bimetallic nanoparticles using D. radiodurans. Their formation mechanisms, properties, and applications are discussed and summarized to provide significant insights into the design or modification of functionalized nanomaterials via natural materials. Grand challenges and future directions to realize the multifunctional applications of these nanomaterials are highlighted for a better understanding of their biosynthesis mechanisms and functionalized modifications.     

One-dimensional nanomaterials synthesized using high-energy ball milling and annealing process

One-dimensional (1D) nanomaterials including nanotubes, nanowires and nanorods have many new properties, functionalities and a large range of promising applications. A major challenge for these future industrial applications is the large-quantity production. We report that the ball milling and annealing process has the potential to achieve the mass production. Several examples including C, BN nanotubes and SiC, Zn nanowires are presented to demonstrate such capability. In addition, both size and structure of 1D nanomaterials can be controlled by varying processing conditions. New growth mechanisms involved in the process have been investigated and the high-energy ball milling has an important role in the formation of these 1D nanomaterials.     

Synthesis and applications of one-dimensional semiconductors

Nanoscale inorganic materials such as quantum dots (0-dimensional) and one-dimensional (1D) structures, such as nanowires, nanobelts and nanotubes, have gained tremendous attention within the last decade. Among the huge variety of 1D nanostructures, semiconducting nanowires have gained particular interest due to their potential applications in optoelectronic and electronic devices. Despite the huge efforts to control and understand the growth mechanisms underlying the formation of these highly anisotropic structures, some fundamental phenomena are still not well understood. For example, high aspect-ratio semiconductors exhibit unexpected growth phenomena, e.g. diameter-dependent and temperature-dependent growth directions, and unusual high doping levels or compositions, which are not known for their macroscopic crystals or thin-film counterparts.This article reviews viable synthetic approaches for growing high aspect-ratio semiconductors from bottom-up techniques, such as crystal structure governed nucleation, metal-promoted vapour phase and solution growth, formation in non-metal seeded gas-phase processes, structure directing templates and electrospinning. In particular new experimental findings and theoretical models relating to the frequently applied vapour-liquid-solid (VLS) growth are highlighted. In addition, the top-down application of controlled chemical etching, using novel masking techniques, is described as a viable approach for generating certain 1D structures. The review highlights the controlled synthesis of semiconducting nanostructures and heterostructures of silicon, germanium, gallium nitride, gallium arsenide, cadmium sulphide, zinc oxide and tin oxide. The alignment of 1D nanostructures will be reviewed briefly. Whilst specific and reliable contact procedures are still a major challenge for the integration of 1D nanostructures as active building blocks, this issue will not be the focus of this paper. However, the promising applications of 1D semiconductors will be highlighted, particularly with reference to surface dependent electronic transduction (gas and biological sensors), energy generation (nanomechanical and photovoltaic) devices, energy storage (lithium storage in battery anodes) as well as nanowire photonics.     

One-dimensional nanomaterials synthesized using high-energy ball milling and annealing process

Abstract

One-dimensional (1D) nanomaterials including nanotubes, nanowires and nanorods have many new properties, functionalities and a large range of promising applications. A major challenge for these future industrial applications is the large-quantity production. We report that the ball milling and annealing process has the potential to achieve the mass production. Several examples including C, BN nanotubes and SiC, Zn nanowires are presented to demonstrate such capability. In addition, both size and structure of 1D nanomaterials can be controlled by varying processing conditions. New growth mechanisms involved in the process have been investigated and the high-energy ball milling has an important role in the formation of these 1D nanomaterials.     

Solution-phase Synthesis of One-dimensional Semiconductor Nanostructures

The synthesis of one-dimensional （1D） semiconductor nanostructures has been studied intensively for a wide range of materials due to their unique structural and physical properties and promising potential for future technological applications. Among various strategies for synthesizing 1D semiconductor nanostructures, solution-phase synthetic routes are advantageous in terms of cost, throughput, modulation of composition, and the potential for large-scale and environmentally benign production. This article gives a concise review on the recent developments in the solution-phase synthesis of ID semiconductor nanostructures of different compositions, sizes, shapes, and architectures. We first introduce several typical solution-phase synthetic routes based on controlled precipitation from homogeneous solutions, including hydrothermal/solvothermal process, solution-liquid-solid （SLS） process, high-temperature organic-solution process, and low-temperature aqueous-solution process. Subsequently, we discuss two solution-phase synthetic strategies involving solid tem- plates or substrates, such as the chemical transformation of 1D sacrificial templates and the oriented growth of 1D nanostructure arrays on solid substrates. Finally, prospects of the solution-phase approaches to 1D semiconductor nanostructures will be briefly discussed.     

一维纳米ZnO制备技术及应用研究进展

一维纳米ZnO由于具有良好的光学、电学和压电性能,在纳米光电子器件方面具有潜在的应用价值,已受到广泛的关注和重视.介绍了ZnO纤锌矿的晶体结构及性质,阐述了一维纳米ZnO的制备技术及其在光电子器件、传感器以及太阳能电池等方面的潜在应用,并进一步探讨了目前存在的问题及其今后的研究发展方向.     

类石墨烯结构二维氮化硼材料:结构特性、合成方法、性能及应用

石墨烯的发现和成功制备引起了人们对二维材料的研究热潮。六方氮化硼(h-BN)薄膜作为类石墨烯结构的二维层状材料,也是当前的研究热点。介绍了h-BN及其相应的低维纳米结构,并概述了近期对二维BN纳米材料的形貌、合成、性能和应用的研究进展。目前对一维和二维纳米材料的研究表明,BN纳米材料具有诸多优异性能,包括高温稳定性、低介电常数、高力学性能、高热导率、高硬度和高耐腐蚀性,BN纳米材料系统已成为最具前景的非碳纳米系统,在不远的将来将有广泛的应用。     

Self-Assembled Peptide-Based Nanodrugs: Molecular Design,Synthesis, Functionalization,and Targeted Tumor Bioimaging and Biotherapy

Functional nanomaterials as nanodrugs based on the self-assembly of inorganics, polymers, and biomolecules have showed wide applications in biomedicine and tissue engineering. Ascribing to the unique biological, chemical, and physical properties of peptide molecules, peptide is used as an excellent precursor material for the synthesis of functional nanodrugs for highly effective cancer therapy. Herein, recent progress on the design, synthesis, functional regulation, and cancer bioimaging and biotherapy of peptide-based nanodrugs is summarized. For this aim, first molecular design and controllable synthesis of peptide nanodrugs with 0D to 3D structures are presented, and then the functional customization strategies for peptide nanodrugs are presented. Then, the applications of peptide-based nanodrugs in bioimaging, chemotherapy, photothermal therapy (PTT), and photodynamic therapy (PDT) are demonstrated and discussed in detail. Furthermore, peptide-based drugs in preclinical, clinical trials, and approved are briefly described. Finally, the challenges and potential solutions are pointed out on addressing the questions of this promising research topic. This comprehensive review can guide the motif design and functional regulation of peptide nanomaterials for facile synthesis of nanodrugs, and further promote their practical applications for diagnostics and therapy of diseases.     

Microfluidic Platforms toward Rational Material Fabrication for Biomedical Applications

The emergence of micro/nanomaterials in recent decades has brought promising alternative approaches in various biomedicine‐related fields such as pharmaceutics, diagnostics, and therapeutics. These micro/nanomaterials for specific biomedical applications shall possess tailored properties and functionalities that are closely correlated to their geometries, structures, and compositions, therefore placing extremely high demands for manufacturing techniques. Owing to the superior capabilities in manipulating fluids and droplets at microscale, microfluidics has offered robust and versatile platform technologies enabling rational design and fabrication of micro/nanomaterials with precisely controlled geometries, structures and compositions in high throughput manners, making them excellent candidates for a variety of biomedical applications. This review briefly summarizes the progress of microfluidics in the fabrication of various micro/nanomaterials ranging from 0D (particles), 1D (fibers) to 2D/3D (film and bulk materials) materials with controllable geometries, structures, and compositions. The applications of these microfluidic‐based materials in the fields of diagnostics, drug delivery, organs‐on‐chips, tissue engineering, and stimuli‐responsive biodevices are introduced. Finally, an outlook is discussed on the future direction of microfluidic platforms for generating materials with superior properties and on‐demand functionalities. The integration of new materials and techniques with microfluidics will pave new avenues for preparing advanced micro/nanomaterials with enhanced performance for biomedical applications.     

Synthesis of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanomaterials

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a promising material for many emerging applications. Even more promising are the benefits offered by the material when its length scale is reduced to the nanometer range. Nanomaterials usually exhibit unique properties resulting from either the extremely large surface area-to-volume ratio or the quantum confinement effect of energy carriers. In this article we present an overview of recent progress in the synthesis of TiO2 nanomaterials. The topics include synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles, nanorods, nanowires, nanotubes, and mesoporous/nanoporous materials using different preparation approaches such as sol-gel, sol, hydrothermal, solvothermal, and vapor deposition. The applications of TiO2 nanomaterials are also briefly summarized.     

Recent progress in hydrothermal synthesis of zinc oxide nanomaterials

Hydrothermal synthesis is of considerable interest due to its low cost, simplicity and relatively low growth temperature (typically below 200 °C). Since the synthesis is performed in aqueous solutions (no organic solvents), it can also be safe and environmentally friendly (depending on precursor chemicals). Consequently, it has been a subject of intense research in recent years. In this article, we review recent progress in hydrothermal synthesis of zinc oxide nanomaterials, with focus on practical relevance for a variety of applications.     

Scanning Probe Study on the Piezotronic Effect in ZnO Nanomaterials and Nanodevices

ZnO nanomaterials with their unique semiconducting and piezoelectric coupled properties have become promising materials for applications in piezotronic devices including nanogenerators, piezoelectric field effect transistors, and diodes. This article will mainly introduce the research progress on piezotronic properties of ZnO nanomaterials investigated by scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and ZnO‐based prototype piezotronic nanodevices built in virtue of SPM, including piezoelectric field effect transistors, piezoelectric diodes, and strain sensors. Additionally, nanodamage and nanofailure of ZnO materials and their relevant piezotronic nanodevices will be critically discussed in their safe service in future nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) engineering.     

准一维ZnO纳米材料及器件的研究进展

准一维纳米ZnO因在微电子和光电子领域具有广阔前景而受到关注.综述了近年来准一维ZnO纳米材料的主流制备方法及其相关机理,介绍了一维纳米阵列的实现方案,总结了各类准一维ZnO纳米器件的研究进展,探讨了研究现状并展望了未来的研究方向.     

Rapid synthesis of aligned zinc oxide nanowires

A solution growth approach for zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires is highly appealing because of the low growth temperature and possibility for large area synthesis. Reported reaction times for ZnO nanowire synthesis, however, are long, spanning from several hours to days. In this work, we report on the rapid synthesis of ZnO nanowires on various substrates (such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), silicon and glass) using a commercially available microwave oven. The average growth rate of our nanowires is determined to be as high as 100?nm?min(-1), depending on the microwave power. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed a defect-free single-crystalline lattice of the nanowires. A detailed analysis of the growth characteristics of ZnO nanowires as functions of growth time and microwave power is reported. Our work demonstrates the possibility of a fast synthesis route using microwave heating for nanomaterials synthesis.