Novel nanoscale architectures: coated nanotubes and other nanowires

Research has demonstrated that the structure and properties of a nanoscale system are inextricably linked. The advent of nanoscale research in 1991 relied upon nanoscale material production through random formation techniques, such as arc discharge, and the inherent properties and morphology of the system were therefore difficult to control. This article reviews some of the methods and ideas that have developed since the inception of nanotechnology, leading to fine control over the morphology of nanoscale systems and highlighting some interesting nanoscale architecture.