Prospective important semiconducting nanotubes: Synthesis, properties and applications

Abstract

Semiconducting nanotubes with well-controlled dimensions, compositions and crystal structures represent a new class of intriguing systems for detailed studies of structure-property relationships at the nanoscale and prospective functional applications. This article features recent research progress in the design of different synthetic routes towards important semiconducting nanotubes made of group iv: silicon; group iii-v: GaN, GaP, AlN, InN and InP, and group ii-vi: ZnO, ZnS, ZnSe, CdS and CdSe. The fabricated nanotubes possess desirable atomic structures, surfaces, morphologies and properties to meet the growing demands and specific requirements of new technologies. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2009.