Structural evolution of silicon oxide nanowires via head-growth solid-liquid-solid process

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a growth mechanism for silicon oxide nanowires (SiONWs) as a unique solid-liquid-solid process. SiONWs were synthesized in a furnace at 1000 degrees C and cooled at a high rate. Nickel and gold were introduced as catalysts to dissolve and precipitate the silicon oxide originally prepared by wet oxidation. The ratio of nickel to gold determined the precipitation rate and different "octopus-like" structures were formed. At a specific cooling rate, composition and amount of a catalyst, aligned silicon oxide nanowires with unattached ends were obtained.