SOL-GEL TEMPLATE SYNTHESIS OF SEMICONDUCTOR OXIDE MICROSTRUCTURES ANDNANOSTRUCTURES

The template method for synthesizing nanostructures involves the synth esis of the desired material within the pores of a nanoporous membrane or other solid. Our work has involved using porous alumina and polyme ric filter membranes as the templates. Fibrils or tubules of the desir ed material are formed within each pore of the template membrane. A nu mber of synthetic methods have been used to synthesize these nanostruc tures. This paper reviews sol-gel template synthesis: the use of sol-g el chemistry to synthesize semiconductor oxide micro-and nanostructure s within the pores of micro-and nanoporous membranes. For example, TiO 2 nanotubules and nanofibers of the anatase form have been synthesized . The high surface area offered by these TiO2 nanostructures has been used for photodecomposition of salicylic acid in sunlight. Enzyme immo bilization by stannous bridges inside the TiO2 tubes has also been stu died. In addition, V2O5 fibrous electrode materials have been prepared by this method and Li intercalation electrochemistry is reported here . Other semiconductor oxides such as MnO2, Co3O4, ZnO, WO3, and SiO2 h ave also been prepared.