The templated approach for the synthesis of massively parallel, prepackaged, uniform and aligned nanoarrays using anodic alumina as a host was pioneered independently by several groups. Today it is successfully used by an increasing number of researchers. Electrochemical deposition is by far the most versatile technique to fill the pores with conductive materials from the bottom up. At Synkera, we have developed and demonstrated proprietary electrodeposition of a number of metals and II-VI semiconductors, resulting in high aspect-ratio nanowire arrays.

Non-electrochemical deposition techniques, such as solution polymerization, sol-gel or gas phase atomic layer CVD have been also used to prepare arrays of nanostructures from metal oxides, polymers, and carbon nanotubes. Note that the surface of the nanotemplates could be patterned prior to deposition to obtain domains of nanowires only in required areas.

The resulting arrays of pre-packaged and aligned nanostructures are enabling materials for the development of nanomaterials and nanodevices with properties defined by this nanoscale size and anisotropy. The plethora of applications for anisotropic nanowires include:

• Nanoelectronics and nanophotonics,
• Magnetic storage media
• Nanotags for bioanalytical and security applications
• Neural prosthesis
• Nanowire and nanotube arrays for EMI shielding
• Composite materials with superior thermal, electrical and mechanical properties
• Scanning probes and scanning microscopy standards
• Field emission cathodes
• Photonic band gap materials and devices