A Comprehensive Review on the Advances of Nanowires in Multidisciplinary Applications

Abstract

This review study examines the various possible applications of nanowires (NWs) across multiple fields, highlighting their unique optical, electrical, and mechanical properties. NWs, due to their elongated structure and high aspect ratio, are highly useful in many industries including electronics, pharmaceuticals, chemical detection, energy storage, and energy conversion. The research explores fundamental methods for synthesis and integration, including vapor–liquid–solid growth and template-assisted processes. Additionally, it examines methods for modifying attributes through the manipulation of composition. NWs are considered intriguing building blocks for cutting-edge electronics, showcasing benefits in high-frequency components, thermoelectric devices, photovoltaic cells, and flexible light-emitting diodes. The research emphasizes the wide array of potential uses for NW arrays in very sensitive sensing, particularly in integrating these arrays into small, energy-efficient sensors for diverse measurements. Furthermore, NWs demonstrate promise in energy harvesting, photovoltaics, and self-powered devices. The research focuses on overcoming challenges related to the ability to produce NWs on a large scale, ensuring consistent material quality, and addressing issues related to the compatibility of NWs with biological systems. It emphasizes the need for collaboration between different fields of study to fully utilize the promise of NWs in electronics, energy, and biomedicine. Despite these challenges, NWs’ adaptable properties and significant size make them well-suited to revolutionize multiple industries, enabling the advancement of flexible electronics, point-of-care diagnostics, efficient solar cells, and immersive virtual reality.