Template‐controlled thermolysis of single‐source‐precursors

Abstract

AbstractShape‐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 (1D) 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. The products 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 1D inorganic nanostructures.