Synthesis of Ultra-long Hollow Mercury Selenide (HgSe) Chalcogenide Nanofibers from Co and Ni Sacrificial Nanofibers

A general synthetic method has been used to fabricate Co and Ni nanofibers. By using the
electrospinning technique followed by galvanic displacement reaction, we have successfully prepared
ultra-long hollow chalcogen and chalcogenide nanofibers. The outstanding features of this approach
to get ultra-long sacrificial nanofibers with controlled dimensions and morphology, thereby imparting
control over the composition and shape of the nanostructures evolved during galvanic displacement
reaction are its simplicity, effectiveness and ease of assembly. The aim of this study is to exploit the
structural and compositional changes during the formation of HgSe chalcogenide with a view of
fabricating a mercury sensor.