Nano Structures via Chemistry

Inorganic nanocrystals with defined shape, composition and tailored properties are of immense scientific and technological interest. Herein, we review the recent developments in the shape control of nanostructured functional materials with a focus on the scientifically and technologically important noble metals and semiconductors (metal oxides and chalcogenides) by chemical solution routes. Firstly, a brief discussion on nucleation, particle growth, and shape-evolution mechanism of nanocrystals is given. Then the review article is focused on recent advances of chemical synthesis of varieties of nanostructure forms, including OD nanospheres and nanopolyhedra, 1D nanorods, nanowires, and nanotubes, 2D nanoplates and nanodiscs, and two typical complex nanostructures (i.e., nanostructured arrays and 3D hierarchical nanostructures). A variety of techniques and methods have been developed to grow these nanostructures with various compositions. The promising applications of these nanostructured materials in catalysis, sensors and energy storage are also highlighted. Finally, we conclude this paper with some perspectives and outlook on this research topic.