Zn3P2 Twinning Superlattice Nanowires Grown on Fluorine-Doped Tin Oxide Glass Substrates

Abstract

Zn3P2 twinning superlattice nanowires with diameters of 100–300 nm were grown under Sn catalysis on fluorine-doped tin oxide glass by physical vapor transport. The nanowires grew along the [101] direction with nonparallel {101} side facets. The Zn3P2 twinning superlattices had no noticeable crystallographic defects except periodic twin defects. A nonlinear relationship between the twin plane spacing and nanowire diameter was observed. The twin plane formation energy (4.0 × 10–2 to 4.3 × 10–2 J/m2) was estimated by fitting the relationship from the nucleation model with a hexagonal nucleus with monolayer height at the triple-phase boundary. The unexpected nonlinear behavior despite the relatively high twin plane formation energy was ascribed to the strong interaction of P atoms dissolved in Sn droplets with the growth interface. P atoms in the droplets may have acted as a surfactant to reduce the liquid–solid surface energy.