Aligned small α-SiC nanorods on β-SiC particles grown in an arc-discharge

Abstract

Aligned α-SiC nanorods, several nanometers in diameter and with lengths up to 200 nm, were grown on the facets of simultaneously formed β-SiC particles by using an SiC rod as the anode to arc-discharge in a helium atmosphere. SEM, TEM and XRD were employed to characterize the prepared nanostructures. The small α-SiC nanorods exhibit excellent elastic deformation ability and have a strong bond to the β-SiC substrate. The possible growth mechanism of the nanostructures is discussed.