Helical metallic micro- and nanostructures: fabrication and application

Abstract

Metal elements occupy more than 70% of the positions in the periodic table, and their use has accelerated human civilization due to their invaluable chemical and physical characteristics. With the rapid development of metals, various structures of microscopic metal particles have been fabricated and investigated as functional materials in scientific research and practical applications. The phrase ‘structure determines properties’ has been widely acknowledged as a golden rule in chemistry and materials science, especially when the size of small particles is in the micro- or nanoscale dimension. Helical metallic micro- and nanostructures with complex shapes have recently emerged and may be used for various useful applications such as photonics, sensors, actuators, micro-/nanorobotics, and micro-/nanoelectronics, based on their unique mechanical, electrical, and electromagnetic properties. This review paper specifically focuses on the fabrication and application of helical metallic structures with a size ranging from the micro- to nanoscale. The unusual spatial distribution of active atoms in helical metallic micro- and nanostructures and their helical morphology could offer new opportunities for applications beyond those of other conventional metallic and nonmetallic micro- and nanostructures.