Porous three-dimensional nanorod arrays through selective chemical etching of nanocomposites

Abstract

Three-dimensional Cu–Si and Cu–SiO₂ nanorod arrays containing ∼68 at% Cu have been fabricated by a glancing angle co-deposition technique. By selectively etching Cu in 0.05 M KCN methanol solution, porous nanorods with different shapes form, which are promising for applications in sensors, catalysts, and as medical capsules that are able to be loaded with functional materials.