Atomic layer deposition assisted template approach for electrochemical synthesis of Au crescent-shaped half-nanotubes.

This paper reports on a novel and versatile method to synthesize sharp-edged crescent-shaped half-nanotubes (HNTs) using a flexible template-based nanofabrication method assisted by atomic layer deposition. This was achieved by electrodeposition inside crescent-shaped nanochannels created by a controlled removal of a sacrificial layer, which was deposited by atomic layer deposition onto the pore walls of an anodic aluminum oxide template. This method provides a high degree of freedom in the manipulation of the morphological properties of HNTs such as the edge sharpness, opening, gap size, and the wall thickness. Initial optical investigations of the HNTs reveal distinct surface plasmon resonance by dark field scattering spectra and surface enhanced Raman spectrum.