Metal oxide-based nanostructures chemical methods

The synthesis of nanostructured carbon using aliphatic alcohols as selfassembling molecules has demonstrated that this strategy can be extended beyond metal oxide-based materials [38]. Recently, we have reported the synthesis of a novel carbon material with tunable porosity by using a liquid-crystalline precursor containing a surfactant and a carbon-yielding chemical, furfuryl alcohol. The carbonization of the cured self-assembled carbon precursor produces a new carbon material with both controlled porosity and electrical conductivity. The unique combination of both features is advantageous for many relevant applications. For example, when tested as a supercapacitor electrode, specific capacitances over 120 F/g were obtained without the need to use binders, additives, or activation to increase surface area [38]. The proposed synthesis method is versatile and economically attractive, and allows for the precise control of the structure. 

The first part of this section focuses on the main characteristics and fabrication techniques used for obtaining templating membranes and depositing metal nanostructures by suitable electroless and elecuochemical procedures. Methods such as sol-gel (10-12) or chemical vapor deposition (10, 13), which have been used primarily for the template deposition of carbon, oxides, or semiconducting-based materials, will not be considered here in detail. The second part of the section focuses on the electrochemical properties of the fabricated nanomaterials with emphasis on the characteristics and applications of nanoelectrode ensembles (NEEs). 

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