Solvothermal/hydrothermal route to semiconductor nanowires

The solvothermal/hydrothermal method is an important technology for producing semiconductor nanowires at low temperature. This paper presents an integrated discussion of nanowire growth, mainly from four aspects in the solvothermal/ hydrothermal process. These aspects, including materials with highly anisotropic crystal structures, coordination directing/ mixed solvents, surfactants/ capping reagents, and reaction at relatively high temperature, have a key effect on nanowire formation in the solvothermal/ hydrothermal process. These factors have instructional significance for nanowire synthesis and research of their growth process in the future.