Gradient nanowires and nanotubes: Preparation, characterization, and novel functionalities

聚合物、金属或半导体纳米管和纳米线在组成和几何形状上是均匀的，已知其显示出独特的性质和功能。它们具有广泛的应用范围。然而，对于新型纳米器件，引入成分和结构梯度是一种非常有前途的方法。该项目的主题是梯度纳米线和纳米管的制备、表征和功能化。基于我们已经开发的技术，如静电纺丝，纤维模板管（TUFT）和润湿辅助模板（WASTE），用于制备简单均匀的纳米管和纳米线，我们将引入相对于组成的梯度。平行的，垂直的，即，与纳米线或纳米管的主轴径向以及切向的方向将是该项目的重点。目标材料是聚合物、金属、陶瓷以及这些材料的组合。其目的是设计和制备这种梯度结构，评价内部结构，并最终表征这种纳米物体中的梯度所产生的物理和化学性质。基本功能，如不同的导电性，包括开关，光的产生和指导，催化以及先进的功能，如控制移动的纳米物体和识别的表面是长期的目标。梯度纳米线和纳米管的制备和表征研究将是第一个项目期（1 - 3年）的主要课题，梯度纳米线和纳米管的基本和高级功能研究将是第二个项目期（4 - 6年）的主要课题。

Polymer, metal or semiconductor nanotubes and nanowires, being homogeneous in composition and geometry, are known to display unique properties and functions. They are of interest for a broad range of applications. However, with respect to novel nano-devices, the introduction of compositional and structural gradients is a highly promising approach. The topic of this project is the preparation, characterization, and functionalization of graded nanowires and nanotubes. Based on techniques already developed by us such as electrospinning, tubes by fiber templates (TUFT), and wetting-assisted templating (WASTE) for the preparation of simple homogeneous nanotubes and nanowires, we will introduce gradients with respect to composition. Gradients parallel, perpendicular, i.e., radial as well as tangential, to the main axis of the nanowires or nanotubes will be in the focus of this project. The target materials are polymers, metals, ceramics and combination of these materials. The aim is the design and preparation of such gradient structures, the evaluation of the internal structure and finally the characterization of the physical and chemical properties resulting from the gradients in such nano-objects. Fundamental functions such as varying electrical conductivity including switching, light generation and guidance, and catalysis as well as advanced functions such as controlled movement of nano-objects and recognition of surfaces are longterm goals. Research on preparation and characterization of gradient nanowires and nanotubes will be major topics in the first project period (year 1 - 3) and research on basic and advanced functionalities of graded nanowires and nanotubes will be major topics in the second project period (year 4 - 6).