Catalytic synthesis of one-dimensional nanomaterials in seconds

Rapid Joule heating (RJH) has shown its great power and rapid development in the synthesis of nanomaterials due to its simple procedure and extremely high reaction speed and energy efficiency. However, the morphology and structure controllable RJH preparation, for instance, the synthesis of one-dimensional (1D) nanomaterials, is still challenging. Inspired by the widely recognized vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism in many high temperature synthesis pathways, we develop a catalyzed RJH route for the synthesis of 1D nanomaterials. By introducing suitable metal catalysts, nanowires of refractory carbides, high entropy carbides, II-VI and III-V group semiconductors, as well as multi-walled and single-walled carbon nanotubes are catalytic grown in seconds. With a general applicability to various material types, a short synthesis time and a low energy consumption of kilojoules per gram of nanomaterials, this strategy presents great potential in material synthesis and production.