Ion beam modification of one-dimensional nano materials: a review

Abstract The distinctive properties in a variation of aspects of one dimensional (1D) nano materials, like the well-known carbon nanotubes (CNTs), metal oxide nanorods (& tubes), hBN nanotubes etc. have piqued the interest of researchers from both fundamental research and industry. The ability to efficiently modify the properties of 1D nanomaterials has a lot of practical uses. On a microscopic scale, tailoring characteristics of 1D nanomaterials is based on the ion beam introduction generated defects and purposeful doping of certain ions. Novel properties in modified 1D materials that are not present in pristine ones may result from changing ion beam parameters (energies, species, fluences, incident angles, etc). Promising applications based on these 1D materials with ion beam-customized properties have been created in a wide range of industries. In this review article, we cover the most recent research on the techniques used and property modifications of CNTs in detail and other 1D materials when exposed to several ion beams. Future developments are viewed from a variety of angles. Furthermore, the review contrasts ion beam modification with conventional approaches such as chemical functionalization, underscoring the advantages in terms of precision and scalability. This review presents a comprehensive overview of recent advances in ion beam-induced structural, chemical, and electronic modifications in 1D systems. Both low-energy ions (keV range) and swift heavy ions (MeV range) are discussed, with emphasis on their interactions with nanomaterials and the resulting effects such as defect formation, porosity, amorphization, and phase transformation. Special attention is given to emerging applications in energy storage devices (e.g. batteries and supercapacitors), nanoelectronics, photonics, and sensors.