Semimetal nanowires and their superlattices in anodic alumina membranes

Semimetal Bi and Sb are important thermoelectric materials. Since theoretical calculation predicted that thermoelectric efficiency can be improved as the dimension of materials decreases, the synthesis and physical properties of Bi-based nanostructures (nanowires, nanotubes, nanobelts, nanoplates) have attracted great interests. This review begins with a survey of the patents and reports on the recent developments of Bi-based nanowires. We focus on Bi-based nanowires fabricated by pulsed electrodeposition in anodic alumina membranes, which are main achievements in our group. Based on the literatures and patents, from synthesis of Bi-based nanowires and their alloys and superlattices, to physical properties including electronic transport, thermal expansion, and thermoelectricity will be demonstrated.