Background

1D nano-structures have garnered significant and growing attention in the literature recently, owing to their diverse properties that are uniquely dependent upon not only size but also morphology. 1D nano-structures have distinctive optical, thermal and electronic properties made possible by the composing noble metals, rending this class of materials as attractive.

Technology

The technology is a method of producing a segmented 1D nanostructure comprising providing a vessel containing a template with one side of the template a first metal reagent solution and on the other is a reducing agent solution, this in turn allows a first segment of a 1D nanostructure to be grown within the pore of the template until a desired length is reached. As compared to previous shortcomings, the present invention provides an ambient, surfactantless, template-based method for reliable product, allowing for direct and predictable control over the nanomaterials. The nanomaterials exist with high quality crystalline, with a well-defined interface between the constituent metals.

Advantages

The metals are selected from the group consisting of Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, Os, Ir, Pt and Au, the nanostructure is a nanowire, nanotube or array comprising of a plurality of nanowires. The art technique allows for a segmented one dimensional nanostructure to be controllably produced in a simple and environmentally safe manner.

Application

Segmented nano wires represent a multifunctional platform with a broad range of potential application, providing high levels of performance when employed as a both electrocatalyst and nano motors.