Synthesis and application of solution-based II–VI and IV–VI semiconductor nanowires

Abstract

Semiconductor nanowires (NWs) possess unique optical and electrical properties due to their anisotropic shape as well as their size-tunable electronic structure. In this chapter, we discuss the solution phase synthesis of II–VI and IV–VI semiconductor nanowires (e.g. ZnSe, CdS, CdSe, CdTe, PbS, PbSe, and PbSexS1−x) as well as NW-based heterostructures involving core/shell and metal nanoparticle-decorated morphologies. We subsequently discuss the application of these materials within the context of nanowire yarns, nanowire-functionalized cotton textiles, and renewable energy applications involving nanostructured solar cells and photocatalytic hydrogen generation.