Catalyst metal selection for synthesis of inorganic nanowires

Growth of inorganic nanowires mediated by alternatives to gold using a vapor-liquid-solid mechanism is reported. Fifteen metals have been studied as catalysts, with several of them yielding nanowires (see Figure). The nanowire growth density is a function of melting temperature of the catalyst metals, as the catalyst material serves as the soft template for incorporation of the vapor species into the nanowire.