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One-dimensional (1D) nanostructures of the wide band gap semiconductors are promising building blocks for photoelectric nanodevices. However, some problems like strong 1D confinement largely hamper their applications. To avoid these problems, here, we provide another 1D configuration, in which an inner-wire coaxial Schottky junction exists, thus effectively avoiding the recombination of the photoexcited carriers. As an example, we produce ZnS/carbon nanotube nanocables with uniform morphologies by a two-step vapor deposition method and find that they have good conductance, obvious light response, and ohmic contacts with electrodes, avoiding the limitations of both the pristine nanomaterials. We believe that this configuration would be valuable for applying the 1D nanomaterials in photoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular electronics is often limited by the lack of a simple method to fabricate nanoelectrodes with controlled gap size. This is partly attributed to the lack of a real time characterization in the fabrication. Here, we report a new method based on an electron induced deposition process operated in scanning electron microscopy that realizes in situ and real time characterization in the nanoelectrode fabrication; thus the gap size can be controlled easily and precisely. It is a clean and nondestructive process for carbon nanotube (CNT) electrodes. The mechanism is detailed. The nanoelectrodes have a π-conjugated surface due to the deposition of sp 2-rich amorphous carbon. As an application, DNA molecules are assembled between the CNT electrodes by π-stacking interaction for current−voltage measurement. Our result provides a feasible route to prepare nanoelectrodes with controlled gap size, and it will be valuable for current efforts in molecular electronics and nanoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A magnetism-assisted chemical vapor deposition method was developed to synthesize branched or iron-encapsulated carbon nanotubes. In the process, the external magnetic field can promote the coalescence or division of the catalyst particles, causing the formation of branched or encapsulated nanostructures. This finding will extend the understanding of the chemical vapor deposition method in a magnetic field and promote the applications of branched or encapsulated nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]