Abstract: A nanowire switching device and method. The device has a nanowire structure comprising an elongated member having a cross-sectional area ranging from about 1 nanometers but less than about 500 nanometers, but can also be at other dimensions, which vary or are substantially constant or any combination of these. The device also has a first terminal coupled to a first portion of the nanowire structure; and a second terminal coupled to a second portion of the nanowire structure. The second portion of the nanowire structure is disposed spatially from the first portion of the nanowire structure. An active surface structure is coupled to the nanowire structure. The active surface structure extends from the first portion to the second portion along the elongated member.

Abstract: A low-cost, efficient method of preparing hierarchically ordered structures by combining, concurrently or sequentially, micromolding, latex templating, and cooperative self-assembly of hydrolyzed inorganic species and amphiphilic block copolymers.

Abstract: A low-cost, efficient method of preparing hierarchically ordered structures by combining, concurrently or sequentially, micromolding, latex templating, and cooperative self-assembly of hydrolyzed inorganic species and amphiphilic block copolymers.

Abstract: One-dimensional nanostructures having uniform diameters of less than approximately 200 nm. These inventive nanostructures, which we refer to as “nanowires”, include single-crystalline homostructures as well as heterostructures of at least two single-crystalline materials having different chemical compositions. Because single-crystalline materials are used to form the heterostructure, the resultant heterostructure will be single-crystalline as well. The nanowire heterostructures are generally based on a semiconducting wire wherein the doping and composition are controlled in either the longitudinal or radial directions, or in both directions, to yield a wire that comprises different materials. Examples of resulting nanowire heterostructures include a longitudinal heterostructure nanowire (LOHN) and a coaxial heterostructure nanowire (COHN).

Abstract: One-dimensional nanostructures having uniform diameters of less than approximately 200 nm. These inventive nanostructures, which we refer to as “nanowires”, include single-crystalline homostructures as well as heterostructures of at least two single-crystalline materials having different chemical compositions. Because single-crystalline materials are used to form the heterostructure, the resultant heterostructure will be single-crystalline as well. The nanowire heterostructures are generally based on a semiconducting wire wherein the doping and composition are controlled in either the longitudinal or radial directions, or in both directions, to yield a wire that comprises different materials. Examples of resulting nanowire heterostructures include a longitudinal heterostructure nanowire (LOHN) and a coaxial heterostructure nanowire (COHN).

Abstract: A method for preparing transparent mesostructured inorganic/block-copolymer composites or inorganic porous solids containing optically responsive species with selective optical, optoelectronic, and sensing properties resulting therefrom. Mesoscopically organized inorganic/block copolymer composites doped with dyes or complexes are prepared for use as optical hosts, chemical/physical/biological sensors, photochromic materials, optical waveguides, tunable solid-state lasers, or optoelectronic devices. The materials can be processed into a variety of different shapes, such as films, fibers, monoliths, for novel optical and sensing applications.

Abstract: Methods of preparing metal oxide nanorods are described. The metal oxide nanorods have diameters between 1 and 200 nm and aspect ratios between 5 and 2000. The methods include the steps of generating a metal vapor in a furnace, exposing the nanorod growth substrate to the metal vapor within a growth zone in the furnace for a sufficient time to grow metal oxide nanorods on a surface of the nanorod growth substrate, removing the nanorod growth substrate from the growth zone after the sufficient time to grow metal oxide nanorods on a surface of the nanorod growth substrate, and removing the metal oxide nanorods from the furnace. The methods can be used to prepared large quantities of metal oxide nanorods.

Abstract: Metal oxide nanorods and composite materials containing such nanorods. The metal oxide nanorods have diameters between 1 and 200 nm and aspect ratios between 5 and 2000.