Melting and Welding Semiconductor Nanowires in Nanotubes

Significant melting point depression and large hysteresis during the melting–recrystallization cycle are observed for semiconductor Ge nanowires encapsulated within carbon nanotubes. The capability of cutting, linking (see cover), and welding (see Figure) nanowires at relatively modest temperatures may provide a new approach to integrating these 1D nanostructures into functional devices and circuitry.