Core–shell cermet condensates by pulsed-laser ablation on Zn in TEOS

Abstract

Spherical cermet condensates with metallic Zn core and specific shell types, both having significant internal compressive stress, were fabricated by pulsed-laser ablation on Zn target in TEOS for X-ray/electron diffraction and spectroscopic characterizations. The nanosized Zn cores have 1-D commensurate (0001) superstructure and wurtzite-type ZnO shell following almost parallel epitaxy relationship, i.e., basal planes exactly in parallel but others slightly off, across a semicoherent interface. The submicron-sized Zn condensates were free of superstructure and encapsulated by a Si–H-signified turbostratic graphite shell. The defective cermet condensates thus fabricated showed UV–Vis photoemission and absorption with a minimum band gap of 1.95 eV for potential optoelectronic and catalytic applications.