Synthesis and characterization of silica nanosprings by a low temperature chemical vapor deposition

Abstract

Silica nanosprings were synthesized using a simple, low temperature, chemical vapor deposition method via a vapor–liquid–solid mechanism. Nanosprings with excellent uniformity and helicity in high and repeatable yields have been observed. The morphology and crystal structure of the nanosprings were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The chemical composition of the nanosprings was determined using the energy-filtered transmission electron microscopic method. The as-grown nanomaterials were confirmed to be amorphous silica with irregularly shaped Au catalytic particles located at the tips. In addition, we propose a spontaneous spinning growth model to explain the formation of such helical nanostructures.