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Which materials can be used to make nanowires?
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nanotechnology
Examples from biological and mechanical realms illustrate various “orders of magnitude” (powers of 10), from 10−2 meter down to 10−7 meter.
Nanowires are one-dimensional nanostructures characterized by a diameter of 100 nanometers or less. They can be synthesized from a diverse range of materials, including:
- Semiconductors: Such as silicon, germanium, and specialized compounds like cadmium sulfide.1
- Metals: Including conductive materials such as gold and copper.1
- Carbon: Which is also utilized in their fabrication.1
- Biological components: Researchers have developed nanowires using amino acids and DNA to assist in protein-related research.1
The specific material chosen, along with the method of synthesis, significantly influences the nanowire's size, morphology, and physical properties, such as electrical conductivity and optical output.1