Ultralong one-dimension Al3CON nanostructures: synthesis, elastic deformation behavior and photoelectric properties

Abstract

The Al–O–C–N system is known as a kind of Al2O3-based ceramic material with various different chemical compositions and structures. Considering its superior physical and mechanical properties, the corresponding one-dimensional Al–O–C–N system may have huge potential applications in future nanodevices. Herein, for the first time, two types of ultralong one-dimensional Al3CON nanostructures, nanowires and bicrystalline nanobelts, were simultaneously synthesized by asimple CVD process. The products were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy as well as energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Corresponding property studies were carried out to explore the potential applications of the products. The force measurement based on a single nanostructure was performed by using an atomic force microscope (AFM) and the nanostructure showed high strength with a Young's modulus of 251 GPa. Semiconductor characteristics were also observed by electrical measurement at room temperature, which may be attributed to the doping and/or native defects. In addition, the Al3CON nanostructures showed deep-ultraviolet photoconductivity, in which the conductance increases only when illuminated with 254 nm light rather than 365 nm light.