Simple Preparation of One-dimensional Metal Selenide Nanomaterials Using Anodic Aluminum Oxide Template

Highly ordered and perforated anodic aluminum oxide membranes were prepared by anodic oxidation and subsequent removal of the barrier layer. By using these homemade anodic aluminum oxide membranes as templates, metal selenide nanowires and nanotubes were synthesized. The structure and composition of these one-dimensional nanomaterials were studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy as well as transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive Xray spectroscopy. The growth process of metal selenide inside anodic aluminum oxide channel was traced by investigating the series of samples using scanning electron microscopy after reacting for different times. Straight and dense copper selenide and silver selenide nanowires with a uniform diameter were successfully prepared. In case of nickel selenide, nanotubes were preferentially formed. Phase and crystallinity of the nanostructured materials were also investigated.