Hybrid metal nanoparticle-semiconductor nanowire assemblies: Synthesis, properties and applications

Abstract

Hybrid, semiconductor nanowire - metal nanoparticle assemblies have been investigated extensively in the context of nanotechnology for the development of novel sensors, solar cells, memory, energy storage and catalysis applications. In most cases silicon and metal - oxide semiconductor nanowires have been functionalized with noble metal nanoparticles. The large surface to volume ratio and high aspect ratio of semiconductor nanowires combined with the size dependent physical and chemical properties of noble metal nanoparticles make semiconductor nanowire - metal nanoparticle assemblies very attractive since one may achieve high device performances. Critical issues include control and modification of the surface properties of semiconductor nanowires for anchoring of noble metal nanoparticles but also the realization of ordered assemblies rather than random aggregates. Here we review the state of the art on the synthesis but also on the physical and chemical properties of semiconductor nanowires functionalized with noble metal nanoparticles such as Ag, Au, Pt and Pd with particular emphasis on their application for gas sensors, surface enhanced raman scaterring sensors, resistance switching memories, supercapacitors and batteries but also for their application in photocatalysis and electrocatalysis. © 2014 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.