Self-catalyzed vapor–liquid–solid growth of InP 1− xSb x nanostructures

Abstract

We report the growth of InP 1− x Sb x nanowires, cones, and pillars via the vapor–liquid–solid process using metalorganic precursors and liquid indium as the catalyst. The as-grown nanostructure morphology, crystallinity, and composition were determined using electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. We obtained pure zinc blende structured InP 1− x Sb x wires at ∼360 °C, while cones and pillars with a mixture of zinc blende and wurtzite structures were formed at higher temperatures. The Sb content in the nanowires, estimated from the diffraction data, was 12 at%. This concentration and wurtzite phase fraction increased with increasing growth temperature.