Nanostructures: synthesis, characterization, and properties evaluation

Nanostructured materials can be defined as a system in which at least one dimension is ≤100 nm and it typically consists of layer-like, wire-like, and particle-like structures. These materials are attracting increasing interest and excitement in nearly all fields of science and technology owing to their potential applications and to the appearance of various phenomena and properties different from those of the corresponding bulk phases. It is important to understand various synthesis routes and characterization even at the sub-nanoscale. In this study, we report some of the important findings pertaining to ZnO, TiO₂, WO₃, CuO, CdO, and Al₂O₃, on novel growth morphologies and mainly related spectroscopic and optical performance. Moreover, certain fundamental concerns on oxide nanostructures pertaining to their preparation and correlating the ensuing microstructure with luminescence and other activities have been tackled to resolve queries of (i) effect of processing on size and morphologies, and (ii) consequences of microstructures on optical performance with fine-scale microstructures and potential applications. Moreover, the characterization and applications of Carbon allotropes like CNTs and Graphene, and also MXenes based materials and devices will be highlighted. The important tools of electron microscopy and spectroscopy in the characterization of nanomaterials will be discussed. A detailed correlation between nanostructures, their growth parameters, microstructural characterization, and their property evaluation will be presented and discussed. (author)