Kinetic Monte Carlo simulation of vapor-liquid-solid nanostructure growth

Abstract

The vapor-liquid-solid growth of nanostructures is simulated using a two-dimensional kinetic Monte Carlo model. The model considers the deposition of reactants from the vapor, solute diffusion in the solution droplet, and the nucleation and growth of the precipitated solid phase. The extrusion of the solid from the solution into the vapor is also modeled. A morphological transition from one-dimensional to two-dimensional growth is observed in response to changes in reactant vapor pressure and to changes in the solute diffusivity at the liquid-vapor interface. The morphology is determined by the dominant growth direction of the solid and is dependent on the speed at which deposited solute species can be diffused from the surface. Such a fundamental change in morphology has been observed experimentally in the growth of silicon carbide nanostructures and insight into the cause of this transition is achieved.