Synthesis of zirconium dioxide nanotubes, nanowires, and nanocables by concentration dependent solution deposition

Nanowires and nanotubes of ZrO2 were successfully synthesized in this study by concentration dependent solution deposition (CDSD) using Zr[O(CH2)3CH3]4 as the precursor and anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) as the substrate. Here, we synthesized one-dimensional zirconium dioxide with a simple and efficient method by sucking the precursor solution though the AAO channels. In these experiments, the key factor in the formation of nanowires and nanotubes is the concentration of the precursor, Zr[O(CH2)3CH3]4 butanol solution. Concentrated Zr[O(CH2)3CH3]4 solutions cause the formation of solid one-dimensional materials, whereas dilute precursor solutions form hollow nanotubes. The dimensions of the nanomaterials synthesized correspond to the scope of the AAO template are 200–450 nm in diameter and about 60 μm in length. Furthermore, the cable structures of these nanomaterials, wire-in-tube and tube-in-tube, were synthesized by alternately operating the processes. We are reporting an uncomplicated, fast and versatile method applicable to a wide range of materials, taking advantage of the sol–gel process to prepare a vast variety of nanocomposite full of potential applications, especially cable nanomaterials.