The Synthesis and Fabrication of One-Dimensional Nanoscale Heterojunctions

Graphical Abstract

Up the junction: Nanoscale heterojunctions represent one of the most exciting areas of research into nanoscale materials; the various methods of their preparation and their utililty for a multitude of applications render this subject to be of immense current interest, and hence the subject of this Review. The Au nanorod (NR)/GaAs nanowire (NW) heterojunction shown in the figure represents work in our laboratory accomplished by combining vapor-phase and solution-phase methods.

Abstract

There are a variety of methods for synthesizing or fabricating one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures containing heterojunctions between different materials. Here we review recent developments in the synthesis and fabrication of heterojunctions formed between different materials within the same 1D nanostructure or between different 1D nanostructures composed of different materials. Structures containing 1D nanoscale heterojunctions exhibit interesting chemistry as well as size, shape, and material-dependent properties that are unique when compared to single-component materials. This leads to new or enhanced properties or multifunctionality useful for a variety of applications in electronics, photonics, catalysis, and sensing, for example. This review separates the methods into vapor-phase synthesis, solution-phase synthesis, template-based synthesis, and other approaches, such as lithography, electrospinning, and assembly. These methods are used to form a variety of heterojunctions, including segmented, core/shell, branched, or crossed, from different combinations of semiconductor, metal, carbon, and polymeric materials.