Multifunctional and multicomponent heterostructured one-dimensional nanostructures: advances in growth, characterisation, and applications

Multicomponent nanostructures are of immense importance due to their diverse functionality, improved stability and unique properties. In this regard, heterostructures based on one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures, such as nanotubes and nanowires, will be critical in the future development, miniaturisation and enhanced performance of devices. Of particular importance are radially or axially heterostructured nanowires that can have composition modulation in radial or axial directions with abrupt or non-abrupt interfaces. These heterostructures have immense potential in multifunctional and multicomponent nanoelectronics, optoelectronics, sensors, photocatalysts, solar cells, batteries, biomedical devices and analytical platforms. Different materials can be incorporated into radial or axial nanowire heterostructures via suitable and compatible growth method(s). This article reviews the most recent and pioneering developments in the area of radially and axially heterostructured 1D nanostructures. In addition, various aspects of growth, device architectures, characterisation methodologies, properties and their applications have been discussed in detail. The article discusses different growth methods for single component 1D nanostructures and how these as well as new methods are being employed to fabricate heterostructured 1D nanostructures. Challenges and motivations in this area of research have been elaborated and a comprehensive literature review covering various milestones of this multifaceted research area have been discussed. The review concludes by outlining future directions and developments required to advance this field.