Virginia Commonwealth University chemists, using a simple commercial microwave oven, have developed a new method for the synthesis of highly aligned crystalline semiconductor nanowires and nanorods. Specific materials systems include organically passivated rods and wires made from various metal chalcogenides such as ZnS, ZnSe, CdS and CdSe.The method, known as microwave irradiation, or MWI, provides a significant enhancement in reaction rates. It is considered a fast and easy way to create highly versatile, tailored nanorods and nanowires from metal chalcogenides which are suitable in medical applications, drug delivery, sensors, communications and optical devices. According ...