Fabrication of various composite nanorods via template-assisted electrochemical synthesis

Abstract

This study demonstrates the synthesis of metal, semiconductor, and conductive polymer nanorods using anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) templates with uniformly open pores. The AAO templates were prepared via anodization with sulfuric, oxalic, and phosphoric acids, achieving pore sizes of approximately 25, 75, and 200 nm for precise nanomaterial synthesis. Electrochemical processes enabled the growth of metal [gold (Au), silver, nickel), semiconductor [cadmium selenide (CdSe)], and conductive polymer [polypyrrole (PPy), polyaniline] nanorods, as well as metal-polymer composites with varied morphologies. Characterization with scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed growth mechanisms and changes influenced by pore size and material composition. Notably, during Au nanorod/PPy composite synthesis, PPy shrinkage and subsequent Au regrowth led to the formation of core–shell composites. These results demonstrate the potential of AAO templates for structural control and suggest applications in optoelectronics, electronic devices, and energy storage.