Functional nanowires of tin oxide

Quasi-one-dimensional nanostructures of tin oxide were produced in controlled conditions through condensation from the vapor phase. The preparation was assisted by noble metal catalysts and uniform single-crystalline nanowires were produced. The nucleation of nanowires was achieved at 470 degrees C, owing to the vapor-liquid-solid growth mechanism activated by the catalytic Pt clusters. The peculiar microstructural properties of these semiconducting metal oxide nanostructures will be summarized. The high aspect ratio and the high degree of crystallinity achieved for the nanowires foresee their functional exploitation.