Composite-hydroxide-mediated approach as a general methodology for synthesizing nanostructures

The composite-hydroxide-mediated (CHM) method is based on the use of molten composite hydroxides as a solvent in chemical reactions at ∼200 °C for the synthesis of a wide range of nanostructures. This review focuses on its recent development with an emphasis on its applications for synthesizing materials of complex oxides, hydroxides, simple oxides, sulfides, selenides, tellurides, fluorides and metals. The principle of this synthesis method is introduced, and the key factors that affect the morphology and size are studied. The advantages of its low synthesis temperature, low pressure and low cost are illustrated through the synthesis of functional wires, rods, belts and other nanostructures.