Using the hard templating method for the synthesis of metal-conducting polymer multi-segmented nanowires

With the development of nanotechnology, there is a growing demand for advanced electronics based on functional nanomaterials. In this respect, owing to their unique properties, conducting polymers (CP) synthesized in the form of one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures are of particular interest. In this feature paper, we first report one of the most powerful techniques, the hard templating synthesis, for elaborating a large number of uniform 1D CP nanotubes or nanowires with precise control over lengths and diameters. Then, recent advances in the preparation, through electrochemical template synthesis, of various multi-segmented nanowires containing a combination of metallic and polymeric components are discussed. Hybrid metal-CP nanowires are promising high tech materials as they exhibit enhanced performances compared to their bulk counterparts and are of direct interest for developing novel multifunctional systems for a wide range of applications. Finally, some future directions for research in the area of multi-segmented nanowires are proposed.