Formation and morphology control of nanoparticles via solution routes in an autoclave

Formation and morphology control of nanomaterials is a crucial issue in nanoscience research in the exploitation of novel properties. This article presents a review of some research activities on the formation and morphology control of nanoparticles via solution routes in an autoclave over the last decade. Several solution systems, including hydrothermal, solvothermal and mixed solvothermal routes, are specifically discussed and highlighted. A helical belt template mechanism was proposed for the formation of the Te nanotubes in aqueous ammonia. Assisted by the surfactant of sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate (SDBS), nickel nanobelts were hydrothermally synthesized. Ethylenediamine (En) and n-butylamine can be used as shape controllers to one-dimensional (1D) semiconductor nanostructures in the solvothermal process. The phase of metastable and stable MnS crystallites can be controlled by solvothermal reaction in various solvents. Selective preparation of 1D to 3D CdS nanostructures was achieved by controlling the volume ratio of the mixed solvents. With poly (vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) serving as a soft template, the transformation from nanowires to nanotubes, then to nanowires was observed in the mixed solvents of distilled water and ethanolamine (EA).