ABSTRACT

One-dimensional (1D) and quasi-1D systems, such as nanowires, nanobelts, and nanotubes, have been the focus of intensive research due to their unique physical and chemical properties. These novel and interesting characteristics have been shown to stem primarily from their nanometer size resulting in quantum confinement of their electronic wavefunctions. Pertaining to nanometer dimensions, these quasisystems manifest additional surface-related properties, which have opened new frontiers of research in sensing [1–3], energy [4], catalysis [5], photovoltaics [6], and bionanotechnology [7].