Metal nanomaterials and carbon nanotubes - synthesis, functionalization and potential applications towards electrochemistry

This review focuses on the synthesis, assembly, surface functionalization, as well as application of inorganic nanostructures. Electrochemical and wet- chemical methods are demonstrated to be effective approaches to make metal nanostructures under control without addition of a reducing agent or protecting agent. Owing to the unique physical and chemical properties of the nano-sized materials, novel applications are introduced using inorganic nanomaterials, such as electrocatalysis, photoelectricity, spectrochemistry, and analytical chemistry. This feature article provides detailed illustrations about the synthesis and assembly of metal nanostructures, surface modification of carbon nanotubes, as well as novel applications of inorganic nanomaterials, with an emphasis on metal nanostructures and carbon nanotubes derived from studies in the authors' laboratories.