Self-assembled composite nanostructures integrate various basic nano-elements such as
nanoparticles, nanofilms and nanowires toward realizing multifunctional characteristics, which
promises an important route with potentially high reward for the fast evolving nanoscience and
nanotechnology. A broad array of hierarchical metal oxide based nanostructures have been designed
and fabricated in our research group, involving semiconductor metal oxides, ternary functional
oxides such as perovskites and spinels and quaternary dielectric hydroxyl metal oxides with diverse
applications in efficient energy harvesting/saving/utilization, environmental protection/control,
chemical sensing and thus impacting major grand challenges in the area of materials and
nanotechnology. Two of our latest research activities have been highlighted specifically in
semiconductor oxide alloy nanowires and metal oxide/perovskite composite nanowires, which could
impact the application sectors in ultraviolet/blue lighting, visible solar absorption, vehicle and
industry emission control, chemical sensing and control for vehicle combustors and power plants.
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