Gold nanowires, measuring 30 nm axially and up to 20 microns in length, are emerging as an alternative or complementary material to carbon nanotubes. These nanowires boast high conductivity, greater transparency, and, unlike silver nanowires, resistance to corrosion or oxidation.
Demonstrating utility as a replacement for carbon nanotubes, gold nanowires have been employed in touchscreen displays and transparent electrodes (see Figure 1). Additionally, they hold huge potential as highly sensitive electronic biosensors.
Figure 1. Left: TEM image of gold nanowires (Product Nos. 716944 and 716952) on a carbon nanotube framework. Right: SEM image of gold nanowires that can be used as a carbon nanotube replacement in organic electronics applications. Image Credit: Merck
Materials
Source: Merck