Simple Synthesis of a Variety of Nano-structures Using Silicide Alloys with Ga Droplets

Abstract

A variety of nano-structures, such as nanofibers, nanotubes, nanocapsules, nanoribbons and nanorods, were synthesized using silicide alloys with Ga droplets. It was found that the growth morphology and the structural property of the nanostructures significantly depended on the silicides seed materials. In addition, the amorphous SiOx nanofibers show strong ultraviolet and/or visible light emissions, and the PL spectra of the nanofibers depended on the seed materials. For some of the nanofiber syntheses, the formation of nanoflakes or nanoribbons of β-Ga2O3 occurs, and a variety of growth morphologies for the β-Ga2O3 nanostructures was obtained. The series of morphological and structural images are shown for a variety of nanostructures. The obtained SiOx nanofibers are expected to be materials for use in cheap, abundant and safe luminescent devices for visible light applications.