Preparation of an array of ultra-narrow nanowires on functionalized 2d materials and uses thereof

A method for preparing an array of ultra-narrow nanowires or nanorods on a non-covalently functionalized supporting 2D material substrate comprising the steps of

• a. preparing a polymerizable amphiphile comprising both hydrophobic and hydrophilic constituents;
• b. preparing a supporting 2D material substrate;
• c. preparing a monolayer or thin film of said polymerizable amphiphile on said supporting 2D material substrate, wherein said hydrophobic and hydrophilic constituents of the polymerizable amphiphile are exposed in such a way to form a striped pattern of nanometer scale;
• d. polymerizing said amphiphile monolayer to afford a polymerized monolayer or thin film on said supporting 2D material substrate to afford a non-covalently functionalized supporting 2D material substrate;
• e. curing said amphiphilic monolayer in an environment with controlled humidity;
• f. preparing a salt solution or suspension and growing nanowires or nanorods in the salt solution;
• and
• g. exposing said nanowires or nanorods to said polymerized amphiphile monolayer or thin film on said supporting 2D material substrate, whereby an oriented array of said nanowires or nanorods is produced.