Ambient template-directed synthesis of single-crystalline alkaline-earth metal fluoride nanowires

A facile and mild means of controllably preparing a series of single-crystalline alkaline-earth metal fluoride nanowires of reproducible shape and varying sizes (see figure) using a simple, room-temperature approach has been developed. This approach is based on the use of readily commercially available polycarbonate template membranes. The favorable luminescence properties of the doped nanowires imply their possible incorporation into functional nanoscale devices.