One-dimensional nitrogen-containing carbon nanostructures

One-dimensional nitrogen-containing carbon nanostructures (1-D NCNSs) have emerged in the past two decades as exceptionally promising nanomaterials due to their unique physical and chemical properties which enable a broad range of applications in various fields of modern technology. Recent investigations revealed that the 1-D NCNS-based materials can have a profound impact on energy conversion and storage, catalysis and electrocatalysis, sensors, electronic nanodevices, environmental protection, and biology-related applications. The aim of the present review article was to provide a comprehensive overview of scientific progress in 1-D NCNSs such as N-containing carbon nanotubes (NCNTs, e.g., single-walled (SWNCNTs), double-walled (DWNCNTs), and multiwalled NCNTs (MWNCNTs)), nanofibers (NCNFs), nanowires (NCNWs), nanorods (NCNRs), and nanohorns (NCNHs), and evaluate their future perspective. Various methods of preparation of 1D NCNSs and their composites are summarized and discussed. The structure-properties relations of 1-D NCNSs, based on the theoretical approach and numerous relevant physico-chemical methods of characterization, were outlined. The emphasis is given to the properties of 1-D NCNSs rendered by nitrogen incorporation into the carbon matrix in order to provide deeper insight into the specific characteristics which determine materials' performances within the specific fields of applications. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.