Programmable synthesis of shape-, structure-, and composition-modulated one-dimensional heterostructures by galvanic displacement reaction

One-dimensional heterostructures consisting of periodically modulated bismuth telluride tube/wire were synthesized by galvanic displacement reaction of Co/Ni multi-segmented sacrificial nanowires. Utilizing the difference in redox potential and corrosion behavior of Co and Ni, segments, dimension, composition, and structure of the individual segments were also precisely engineered. The programmable ability to synthesize heterostructures with simultaneously modulation of various dimensions in ambient conditions may lead to an effective route to synthesize high performance nanodevices including nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, sensors, and thermoelectrics.