Nanowires and their morphology induced catalytic properties

One dimensional nanostructure such as nanowires exhibit unique advantages such as faster charge transport, higher light absorption and high flexibility, which made them more favourable in catalysis as compared with nanoparticles. However, there were lack of mechanistic studies in one dimensional nanostructure synthesis and catalytic pathway, which results in limited morphology control and difficulties in optimization of catalysis. This thesis aims to exploit the synthesis mechanism behind catalytic-active nanowires synthesis for better morphology tunability; and catalytic mechanism of nanowires for optimization of catalytic performance. A part from that, the effect of reservoir, which was a property induced by the structure of nanowire array, was also studied for its potential usage in catalysis. Doctor of Philosophy