Electrospun nanowire arrays for electronics and optoelectronics

Alignment of NWs (NWs) is the core issue for integrating NWs into nanodevices in future. This review made a concise retrospect on reported assembling methods and mainly emphasized on the electrospinning method and its developments, as well as the following applications of the aligned nanowire array (NWA) in electronics and optoelectronics. First, we classified reported assembling methods into three categories: grow then place, place then grow and grow and place (electrospinning method). Then, we focused on the electrospinning method and its modified method including field assisted method, rotating collector assisted method and near-field assisted methods, as well as their merits and defects, respectively. Next, we illustrated the applications of the NWs arrays fabricated by electrospinning in field effect transistors (FET), gas sensors, piezoelectric sensors and photodetectors. Finally, we made a short conclusion and prospection on electrospinning method. As an easy and cheap nanowire fabrication and alignment method, electrospinning has a bright future in one-dimensional materials based electronics and optoelectronics.