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Growth Mechanism (growth + mechanism)
Kinds of Growth Mechanism Selected AbstractsHierarchical ZnS-In2S3 -CuS Nanospheres with Nanoporous Structure: Facile Synthesis, Growth Mechanism, and Excellent Photocatalytic ActivityADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 19 2010Yingxuan Li Abstract Without using any templates or surfactants, hierarchical ZnS-In2S3 -CuS nanospheres with nanoporous structure are successfully synthesized via a simple and convenient process. The nanospheres are aggregations of densely packed nanoparticles and nanorods. Different to the oriented attachment (OA) mechanism reported in the literature, the formation of these nanorods is believed to follow a lateral OA mechanism (nanoparticles attach along the direction perpendicular to the crystallographic axes with lateral planes as the juncture) based on the experimental data. This process could be a general phenomenon and would provide a new insight into the OA mechanism. A detailed time-resolved TEM kinetic study of the formation of the complex structure is shown. The dipole mechanism and electric field-induced growth are found to be responsible for the final architecture. Photocatalytic activities for water splitting are investigated under visible-light irradiation (, > 400 nm) and an especially high photocatalytic activity (apparent yield of 22.6% at 420 nm) is achieved by unloaded ZnIn0.25Cu0.02S1.395 prepared at 180 °C for 18 h because of their high crystallinity, large pore volume, and the presence of nanorods with special microstructures. [source] Preferential Interface Nucleation: An Expansion of the VLS Growth Mechanism for NanowiresADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 2 2009Brent A. Wacaser Abstract A review and expansion of the fundamental processes of the vapor,liquid,solid (VLS) growth mechanism for nanowires is presented. Although the focus is on nanowires, most of the concepts may be applicable to whiskers, nanotubes, and other unidirectional growth. Important concepts in the VLS mechanism such as preferred deposition, supersaturation, and nucleation are examined. Nanowire growth is feasible using a wide range of apparatuses, material systems, and growth conditions. For nanowire growth the unidirectional growth rate must be much higher than growth rates of other surfaces and interfaces. It is concluded that a general, system independent mechanism should describe why nanowires grow faster than the surrounding surfaces. This mechanism is based on preferential nucleation at the interface between a mediating material called the collector and a crystalline solid. The growth conditions used mean the probability of nucleation is low on most of the surfaces and interfaces. Nucleation at the collector-crystal interface is however different and of special significance is the edge of the collector-crystal interface where all three phases meet. Differences in nucleation due to different crystallographic interfaces can occur even in two phase systems. We briefly describe how these differences in nucleation may account for nanowire growth without a collector. Identifying the mechanism of nanowire growth by naming the three phases involved began with the naming of the VLS mechanism. Unfortunately this trend does not emphasize the important concepts of the mechanism and is only relevant to one three phase system. We therefore suggest the generally applicable term preferential interface nucleation as a replacement for these different names focusing on a unifying mechanism in nanowire growth. [source] Vapor,Solid,Solid Growth Mechanism Driven by Epitaxial Match between Solid AuZn Alloy Catalyst Particles and ZnO Nanowires at Low Temperatures,ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 8 2008Leonardo C. Campos A comprehensive explanation for the precise mechanism of ZnO nanowire growth at low temperatures (T,<,400,°C) is presented. Experimental data and theoretical considerations evidence that ZnO nanowires originate from solid ,-AuZn catalyst particles. A model is proposed to describe such growth. An original feature of the model concerns the formation of nanowire, which occurs via preferential oxidation of specific ,-AuZn surfaces induced by epitaxial-like growth mechanism. [source] Preparation and Growth Mechanism of Molybdenum Trioxide WhiskerJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 8 2002Jianqiang Li A new whisker, ,-MoO3, was fabricated via molybdenum thread oxidation at 973, 1023, and 1173 K. Various morphologies of the whiskers, such as flakelike, platelike, and needlelike, were observed under different fabrication conditions. The lateral surfaces of the whiskers were close-packed (010) plane, and the growth direction was (001), which related to the unique layered structure of the ,-MoO3 crystal. Growth of the MoO3 whiskers was attributed to a vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism at 1023 and 1173 K, whereas, at 973 K, growth was attributed to a vapor-liquid (VL) mechanism. [source] ChemInform Abstract: Growth Mechanism and Chemical Bonding in Scandium-Doped Copper Clusters: Experimental and Theoretical Study in Concert.CHEMINFORM, Issue 28 2009Tibor Hoeltzl Abstract ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a "Full Text" option. The original article is trackable via the "References" option. [source] Controlled Synthesis, Growth Mechanism, and Properties of Monodisperse CdS Colloidal SpheresCHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 31 2007Xin-Hao Li Abstract Highly monodisperse submicrometer CdS colloidal spheres (CSCS) with a controllable and tunable size (between 80 and 500,nm) have been synthesized through a facile solvothermal technique. Owing to the controllability of the reaction process, the growth mechanism of the colloidal spheres has been elucidated in detail. The whole growth process can be summarized as homogenous and slow nucleation of nanocrystals, formation of "cores" through 3D-oriented attachment of nanocrystals, and further surface-induced growth to monodisperse colloidal spheres through in situ formation and random attachment of additional nanocrystals. It has been demonstrated that the obtained CSCS colloidal particles are able to be assembled into films which show characteristic stop band gaps of photonic crystals. By using the CSCS as a template, Ag2S, Bi2S3, Cu2S, HgS, and Sb2S3 colloidal spheres, which are difficult to obtain directly, have also been prepared successfully through ion exchange. [source] 3D Architectures of Iron Molybdate: Phase Selective Synthesis, Growth Mechanism, and Magnetic PropertiesCHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 3 2007Yi Ding Abstract Monoclinic and orthorhombic Fe2(MoO4)3 microsized particles with complex 3D architectures have been selectively prepared by a template-free hydrothermal process. The pH value, reaction time, temperature, and molybdenian source have crucial influence on the phase formation, shape evolution, and microstructures. Monoclinic Fe2(MoO4)3 particles obtained at pH,1 and pH,1.65 display ferromagnetic ordering at 10.4,K and 10.5,K, respectively, and the ferromagnetic component is determined to be 0.0458,,B and 0.0349,,B per Fe-ion at 10,K, respectively. For orthorhombic ,-Fe2(MoO4)3, antiferromagnetic ordering was observed about 12,K. At higher temperatures, ,-Fe2(MoO4)3 began to follow the Curie,Weiss law with ,=,70,K. Such 3D architectures of monoclinic and orthorhombic ,-Fe2(MoO4)3 microparticles with unique shapes and structural characteristics may find applications as catalysts and as well as in other fields. [source] Controlled Hydrothermal Synthesis and Growth Mechanism of Various Nanostructured Films of Copper and Silver TelluridesCHEMISTRY - A EUROPEAN JOURNAL, Issue 15 2006Lizhi Zhang Prof. Abstract Various nanostructured films of copper and silver tellurides were hydrothermally grown on the corresponding metal substrates through reactions between metal foils and tellurium powder in different media. Interesting morphologies including nanowires, nanorods, nanobelts, nanosheets, and hierarchical dendrites were obtained. The nanostructured films were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM). A growth mechanism was proposed based on the characterization results. This study provides a low-temperature, solution-phase approach to grow low-dimensional, nanostructured metal tellurides with controllable morphologies. [source] Morphogenesis and Crystallization of ZnS Microspheres by a Soft Template-Assisted Hydrothermal Route: Synthesis, Growth Mechanism, and Oxygen SensitivityCHEMISTRY - AN ASIAN JOURNAL, Issue 1 2009Liangbao Yang Abstract Almost monodisperse ZnS microspheres have been synthesized on a large scale by a hydrothermal route, in which tungstosilicate acid (TSA) was used as a soft template. By controlling the reaction conditions, such as reaction temperature, pH value of the solutions, and the reaction medium, almost monodisperse microspheres can be synthesized. The structure of these microspheres is sensitive to the reaction conditions. The growth mechanism of these nearly monodisperse microspheres was examined. Oxygen sensing is realized from ZnS microspheres. The current through the ZnS microspheres under UV illumination increases as the oxygen concentration decreases. [source] Hydrothermal Synthesis of Alpha Alumina (,-Al2O3) Powders: Study of the Processing Variables and Growth MechanismsJOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY, Issue 2 2010Wojciech L. Suchanek Alpha alumina (,-Al2O3) powders and ,-Al2O3/boehmite (,-AlOOH) mixtures with controlled ,-AlOOH contents were synthesized hydrothermally under alkaline or acidic conditions at 380°,435°C for 1,10 days, under 6.9,14.5 MPa pressure, from concentrated precursors without stirring. The precursors were formed by mixing different types of aluminum hydroxides with water, and optionally with ,-Al2O3 seeds, hydrogen peroxide, sulfuric acid, dopants (i.e., KMnO4), and/or other additives. The experiments were performed on industrial scale in large production autoclaves. The synthesized ,-Al2O3 powders exhibited up to 100% phase purity, 99.98% chemical purity, equiaxed morphology, low aggregation levels, narrow crystallite size distributions with primary particle sizes ranging between 100 nm and 40 ,m, and high reproducibility. Precursor types, seeds, chemical additives, and temperature/time of the hydrothermal synthesis were found to govern properties of the powders. Different growth mechanisms for nanosized and rough powders are discussed. Results of this study enable the use of hydrothermal ,-Al2O3 powders in a multitude of applications, and make their hydrothermal production a commercial reality. [source] In situ time-resolved measurements of carbon nanotube and nanohorn growthPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (B) BASIC SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 11 2007D. B. Geohegan Abstract Growth mechanisms of carbon nanotubes are investigated and compared for both high- and low-temperature synthesis methods through experiments utilizing time-resolved, in situ imaging and spectroscopy. High-speed videography and pyrometry measured the timeframes for growth for single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and nanohorns (SWNHs) by laser vaporization (LV) at 1150 °C, revealing that C can self-assemble at high temperatures preferentially into SWNH structures without catalyst assistance at rates comparable to catalyst-assisted SWNT growth by either laser vaporization or chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Laser interferometry and videography reveal the coordinated growth of vertically-aligned nanotube arrays (VANTAs) by CVD at 550,900 °C. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Optical properties of ZnO nanotubesCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 6 2010Hongju Zhai Abstract Tubular ZnO nanostructures have been obtained via a hydrothermal method at low temperature (90 °C) without any catalysts or templates. The XRD measurement reveals that the tubes are single crystals with hexagonal wurtzite structure. SEM shows that the diameters of ZnO nanotubes ranged from 400 to 550 nm. The Raman and PL spectra indicate that oxygen vacancies or Zn interstitials are responsible for the green emission in the ZnO nanotubes. A possible growth mechanism on the formation of crystalline ZnO nanotubes has been presented. (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Hydrothermal synthesis of nano-crystalline BaMoO4 under mild conditions using simple additiveCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 2 2010Guangru Tian Abstract Large-scale high-quality BaMoO4 nanocrystals have been synthesized in aqueous solutions under mild conditions with citrate as a simple additive. The crystals have bone-like, spindle-like and wheatear-like morphologies assembled from nanoparticles, nanofibers and have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The results showed that experimental parameters had great influences on the shape evolution of products. The adjustment of these parameters such as room temperature stirring time, reaction temperature and reaction time of hydrothermal reaction, can lead to obvious morphology changes of products, and the growth mechanism has been proposed. Room-temperature photoluminescence indicated that the as-prepared BaMoO4 nanocrystals had a strong blue emission peak at 481.5 nm. This facile route could be employed to synthesize more promising nanomaterials with interesting self-assembly structures. (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Flux growth of La-doped lead zirconate stannate titanate antiferroelectric crystalsCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 10 2008Lin Wang Abstract Relaxor antiferroelectric single crystals lead lanthanum zirconate stannate titanate (PLZST) with the composition around the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) have been grown by flux method using 50 wt% PbO-PbF2 -B2O3 as a flux. The obtained crystals are light yellow in color. The XRD patterns revealed that the habitual faces of the obtained crystal are (001). The crystal morphology was studied and related to a layer growth mechanism controlled by two-dimensional growth. The chemical composition of as-grown crystal was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP), indicating a slight decrease of the amount of Ti compared to the starting materials. The result was verified by the XRD patterns with the phase transformation from the co-existence of tetragonal and rhombohedra phases to the single tetragonal phase. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Creation of calcite hollow microspheres with attached bundles of aragonite needlesCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 5 2008Hua Tang Abstract Novel calcite hollow microspheres attached with bundles of aragonite needles have been synthesized via a simple precipitation reaction of aqueous solutions of CaClB2B and NaB2BCOB3B in the presence of MgP2+P ions at room temperature. The experimental results revealed that an appropriate molar ratio of [MgP2+P]/[CaP2+P], pH value of the solution and aging time are crucial for the formation of the unusual hierarchical CaCOB3B superstructure. A possible growth mechanism is proposed. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] The influence of supersaturation on crystal morphology , experimental and theoretical studyCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 9 2005Jun Jun Lu Abstract The surface docking approach of molecular modeling for prediction of crystal morphology in the presence of additives is further developed in this work. It is modified in order to take into account the influence of supersaturation on the crystal habit. With the introduction of the BCF theory and the 2-D growth mechanism in the above mentioned approach predictions have been carried out for paracetamol and caprolactam crystals, respectively. The verifications by crystals grown from solutions as simulated by the computer model give good agreements. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Electrodeposition of Lead at Boron-Doped Diamond Film Electrodes: Effect of TemperatureELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 12 2003César Prado Abstract The electrodeposition of lead on boron-doped diamond has been studied with a view to identifying the fundamental parameters controlling the sensitivity and lower detection limit in anodic stripping voltammetry. Chronoamperometric transients are used to explore the deposition, indicating a progressive growth mechanism confirmed by ex situ AFM images. Linear sweep ASV experiments show a threshold concentration of ca 10,6,M below which no lead is detected; this is attributed to the need for nucleation of the solid phase on the electrode. Experiments with variable temperature show that this threshold can be usefully lowered at elevated temperatures. [source] Controllable Synthesis of Cu2O Microcrystals via a Complexant-Assisted Synthetic RouteEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 7 2010Wanqun Zhang Abstract A novel method using Cu(AC)2·H2O and dimethylglyoxime as reagents has been successfully developed for the controllable synthesis of Cu2O microcrystals with distinctive morphologies, including porous hollow microspheres, octahedral microcages, and microcrystals with truncated corners and edges and octahedral microcrystals. These structures can be fine-tuned by varying reaction temperature, reaction time, and concentration. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectra, and UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectra. This is the first report of the preparation of the novel microcage structure of Cu2O through a simple solution-based route. By investigating the intermediate products which resemble the final crystal structures, a possible growth mechanism is proposed. Moreover, the investigations showed that the various 3D architectures of the as-made products exhibit different abilities to catalytically degrade rhodamine-B. Our work shows that octahedral Cu2O crystals with entirely {111} faces are photocatalytically more active than octahedral microcrystals with truncated corners and edges, suggesting the {111} faces of Cu2O nanostructures are catalytically more active than the {100} and {110} faces. Due to dual effect of the cavity structure and the {111} surfaces, the octahedral microcages with truncated corners and edges exhibit a higher extent of the photodecomposition reaction. As a result of very slow photocorrosion rate of the Cu2O microcrystal, it is expected that these microcrystals with different surfaces may find more applications in photocatalysis. [source] Controlled Synthesis of Cobalt Flowerlike Architectures by a Facile Hydrothermal RouteEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 17 2008Ya-jing Zhang Abstract Cobalt flowerlike architectures composed of hexagonal nanoplatelets have been synthesized by a simple hydrothermal reduction method. The architectures are fabricated by the reaction of CoCl2 with NaOH at 140,180 °C in the presence of sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate (SDBS), with NaH2PO2·H2O as reducing agent. The diameters of the flowers range from 8 to 10 ,m, and the average thickness of the hexagonal sheets is about 100 nm. Higher reaction temperatures and the proper concentration of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) are key requirements for the fabrication of the flowerlike architectures. A growth mechanism for these architectures is proposed on the basis of the characterization by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The magnetic hysteresis loops at 5 K and 295 K of the cobalt flowerlike architectures show ferromagnetic characteristics with coercivities of 371 Oe and 197 Oe, respectively. Our work may shed light on the designed fabrication of complex 3D architectures of other materials.(© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008) [source] Surfactant-Assisted Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Chain-Like CoNi Alloy AssembliesEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 25 2007Lu-Ping Zhu Abstract Novel chain-like CoNi alloy assemblies with a length of up to 6,7 ,m were successfully prepared by a surfactant-assisted hydrothermal synthetic route at 100 °C for 2 h. The individual submicrospheres built from smaller CoNi nanoparticles had a diameter of about 400,500 nm. These microspheres were then integrated to form the novel chain-like CoNi alloy assemblies. The effects of synthetic parameters such as surfactant and solvent on the formation and morphology of CoNi samples were investigated. The experimental results showed that N2H4·H2O and CTA+ play important roles in the formation of the novel chain-like CoNi alloy assemblies. Based on the structural information provided by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, selected-area electron diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, a growth mechanism was tentatively proposed for the formation of chain-like CoNi alloy assemblies. Magnetic hysteresis measurement revealed that the chain-like CoNi alloy assemblies display ferromagnetic behavior with a saturation magnetization of 96.15 emu/g and a coercivity of 144.75 Oe at room temperature. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007) [source] Synthesis of Core,Shell Inorganic NanotubesADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 15 2010Ronen Kreizman Abstract New materials and techniques pertaining to the synthesis of inorganic nanotubes have been ever increasing since the initiation of the field in 1992. Recently, WS2 nanotubes, which are produced now in large amounts, were filled with molten lead iodide salt by a capillary wetting process, resulting in PbI2@WS2 core,shell nanotubes. This work features progress in the synthesis of new core,shell nanotubes, including BiI3@WS2 nanotubes produced in a similar same manner. In addition, two new techniques for obtaining core,shell nanotubes are presented. The first is via electron-beam irradiation, i.e., in situ synthesis within a transmission electron microscope. This synthesis results in SbI3 nanotubes, observed either in a hollow core of WS2 ones (SbI3@WS2 nanotubes), or atop of them (WS2@SbI3 nanotubes). The second technique involves a gaseous phase reaction, where the layered product employs WS2 nanotubes as nucleation sites. In this case, the MoS2 layers most often cover the WS2 nanotube, resulting in WS2@MoS2 core,shell nanotubes. Notably, superstructures of the form MoS2@WS2@MoS2 are occasionally obtained. Using a semi-empirical model, it is shown that the PbI2 nanotubes become stable within the core of MoS2 nanotubes only above a critical core diameter of the host (>12,nm); below this diameter the PbI2 crystallizes as nanowires. These model calculations are in agreement with the current experimental observations, providing further support to the growth mechanism of such core,shell nanotubes. [source] Controlling Photoactivity in Ultrathin Hematite Films for Solar Water-SplittingADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 7 2010Florian Le Formal Abstract A promising route to increase the performance of hematite (,-Fe2O3) photoelectrodes for solar hydrogen production through water-splitting is to use an extremely thin layer of this visible light absorber on a nanostructured scaffold. However, the typically poor performance of ultrathin (ca. 20,nm) films of hematite has been the limiting factor in implementing this approach. Here, the surprising effect of a substrate pretreatment using tetraethoxysilicate (TEOS) is reported; it results in drastic improvements in the photoperformance of 12.5,nm thick films of hematite. These films exhibit a water oxidation photocurrent onset potential at 1.1,V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode (vs. RHE) and a plateau current of 0.63,mA cm,2 at 1.5,V vs. RHE under standard illumination conditions, representing the highest reported performance for ultrathin hematite films. In contrast, almost no photoactivity is observed for the photoanode with the same amount of hematite on an untreated substrate. A detailed study of the effects of the TEOS treatment shows that a monolayer of SiOx is formed, which acts to change the hematite nucleation and growth mechanism, increases its crystallinity, reduces the concentration of carrier trapping states of the ultrathin films, and suggests its further application to quantum-dot and extremely-thin-absorber (ETA)-type solar cells. [source] Field Emission and Cathodoluminescence of ZnS Hexagonal Pyramids of Zinc Blende Structured Single CrystalsADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 3 2009Zhi-Gang Chen Abstract Single-crystal hexagonal pyramids of zinc blende ZnS are fabricated by facile thermal evaporation in an ammonia atmosphere at 1150,°C. It is found that ZnS pyramids grow along the [111] crystal axis and possess a sharp tip with a diameter of ,10,nm and a micrometer-sized base. The structural model and growth mechanism are proposed based on crystallographic characteristics. This unique ZnS pyramid structure exhibits a low turn-on field (2.81,V µm,1), a high field-enhancement factor (over 3000), a large field-emission current density (20,mA cm,2), and good stability with very small fluctuation (0.9%). These superior field-emission properties are clearly attributed to the pyramid morphology, with micrometer-sized bases and nanotips, and high crystallinity. Moreover, a stable UV emission of 337,nm at room temperature is observed and can be ascribed to the band emission of the zinc blende phase. These results suggest that the ZnS hexagonal pyramids can be expected to find promising applications as field emitters and optoelectronic devices. [source] Co3O4 Nanostructures with Different Morphologies and their Field-Emission Properties,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 12 2007B. Varghese Abstract We report an efficient method to synthesize vertically aligned Co3O4 nanostructures on the surface of cobalt foils. This synthesis is accomplished by simply heating the cobalt foils in the presence of oxygen gas. The resultant morphologies of the nanostructures can be tailored to be either one-dimensional nanowires or two-dimensional nanowalls by controlling the reactivity and the diffusion rate of the oxygen species during the growth process. A possible growth mechanism governing the formation of such nanostructures is discussed. The field-emission properties of the as-synthesized nanostructures are investigated in detail. The turn-on field was determined to be 6.4 and 7.7,V,,m,1 for nanowires and nanowalls, respectively. The nanowire samples show superior field-emission characteristics with a lower turn-on field and higher current density because of their sharp tip geometry and high aspect ratio. [source] Hierarchical Shelled ZnO Structures Made of Bunched Nanowire Arrays,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 8 2007P. Jiang Abstract The size- and morphology-controlled growth of ZnO nanowire (NW) arrays is potentially of interest for the design of advanced catalysts and nanodevices. By adjusting the reaction temperature, shelled structures of ZnO made of bunched ZnO NW arrays are prepared, grown out of metallic Zn microspheres through a wet-chemical route in a closed Teflon reactor. In this process, ZnO NWs are nucleated and subsequently grown into NWs on the surfaces of the microspheres as well as in strong alkali solution under the condition of the pre-existence of zincate (ZnO22,) ions. At a higher temperature (200,°C), three different types of bunched ZnO NW or sub-micrometer rodlike (SMR) aggregates are observed. At room temperature, however, the bunched ZnO NW arrays are found only to occur on the Zn microsphere surface, while double-pyramid-shaped or rhombus-shaped ZnO particles are formed in solution. The ZnO NWs exhibit an ultrathin structure with a length of ca.,,500,nm and a diameter of ca.,10,nm. The phenomenon may be well understood by the temperature-dependent growth process involved in different nucleation sources. A growth mechanism has been proposed in which the degree of ZnO22,saturation in the reaction solution plays a key role in controlling the nucleation and growth of the ZnO NWs or SMRs as well as in oxidizing the metallic Zn microspheres. Based on this consideration, ultrathin ZnO NW cluster arrays on the Zn microspheres are successfully obtained. Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence measurements of the ultrathin ZnO NW cluster arrays have also been performed. [source] Cover Picture: Tuning the Dimensions of C60 -Based Needlelike Crystals in Blended Thin Films (Adv. Funct.ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 6 2006Mater. Abstract A new ordered structure of the C60 derivative PCBM is obtained in thin films based on the blend PCBM:P3HT, as detailed by Swinnen, Manca, and co-workers on p.,760. Needlelike crystalline PCBM structures, whose dimensions and spatial distribution ca be tuned by adjusting the blend ratio and annealing conditions, are formed. In typical solar-cell applications of these blended films, these results indicate that during long-term operation under normal conditions (50,70,°C) morphology changes and a decrease in cell performance could occur. A new ordered structure of the C60 derivative PCBM ([6-6]-phenyl C61 -butyric acid methyl ester) is obtained in thin films based on the blend PCBM:regioregular P3HT (poly(3-hexylthiophene)). Rapid formation of needlelike crystalline PCBM structures of a few micrometers up to 100,,m in size is demonstrated by submitting the blended thin films to an appropriate thermal treatment. These structures can grow out to a 2D network of PCBM needles and, in specific cases, to spectacular PCBM fans. Key parameters to tune the dimensions and spatial distribution of the PCBM needles are blend ratio and annealing conditions. The as-obtained blended films and crystals are probed using atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, optical microscopy, and confocal fluorescence microscopy. Based on the analytical results, the growth mechanism of the PCBM structures within the film is described in terms of diffusion of PCBM towards the PCBM crystals, leaving highly crystalline P3HT behind in the surrounding matrix. [source] Mechanisms Controlling Crystal Habits of Gold and Silver ColloidsADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 7 2005C. Lofton Abstract Examples of gold and silver anisotropic colloids, such as prisms and rods, have appeared in the literature for many years. In most cases, the morphologies of these thermodynamically unfavorable particles have been explained by the particular reaction environment in which they were synthesized. The mechanisms used to explain the growth generally fall into two categories, one in which chemically adsorbed molecules regulate the growth of specific crystal faces kinetically, and the other where micelle-forming surfactants physically direct the shape of the particle. This paper raises questions about the growth of anisotropic metal colloids that the current mechanisms cannot adequately address, specifically, the formation of multiple shapes in a single homogeneous reaction and the appearance of similar structures in very different synthesis schemes. These observations suggest that any growth mechanism should primarily take into consideration nucleation and kinetics, and not only thermodynamics or physical constrictions. The authors suggest an alternative mechanism where the presence and orientation of twin planes in these face-centered cubic (fcc) metals direct the shape of the growing particles. This explanation follows that used for silver halide crystals, and has the advantage of explaining particle growth in many synthesis methods. In this mechanism, twin planes generate reentrant grooves, favorable sites for the attachment of adatoms. Shape and structural data are presented for gold and silver particles synthesized using several different techniques to support this new model. Triangular prisms are suggested to contain a single twin plane which directs that growth of the initial seed in two dimensions, but limits the final size of the prism. Hexagonal platelets are suggested to contain two parallel twin planes that allow the fast growing edges to regenerate one another, allowing large sizes and aspect ratios to form. Rods and wires were found to have a fivefold symmetry, which may only allow growth in one dimension. It is expected that a superior mechanistic understanding will permit shape-selective synthesis schemes to be developed. [source] Well-Aligned ZnO Nanowire Arrays Fabricated on Silicon Substrates ,ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS, Issue 6 2004C. Geng Abstract Arrays of well-aligned single-crystal zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires of uniform diameter and length have been synthesized on a (100) silicon substrate via a simple horizontal double-tube system using chemical vapor transport and condensation method. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterizations showed that the as-grown nanowires had the single-crystal hexagonal wurtzite structure with detectable defects and a <0002> growth direction. Raman spectra revealed phonon confinement effect when compared with those of ZnO bulk powder, nanoribbons, and nanoparticles. Photoluminescence exhibited strong ultraviolet emission at 3.29,eV under 355,nm excitation and green emission at 2.21,eV under 514.5,nm excitation. No catalyst particles were found at the tip of the nanowires, suggesting that the growth mechanism followed a self-catalyzed and saturated vapor,liquid,solid (VLS) model. Self-alignment of nanowires was attributed to the local balance and steady state of vapor flow at the substrate. The growth technique would be of particular interest for direct integration in the current silicon-technology-based optoelectronic devices. [source] Control over Patterning of Organic Semiconductors: Step-Edge-Induced Area-Selective Growth,ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 46 2009Wenchong Wang A method concerning step-edge-induced area-selective growth for the patterning of aromatic organic molecules is proposed. Based on such a growth mechanism, crack-free, organic crystalline films and the growth of different molecules at defined locations can be achieved. The figure shows a schematic representation of the separation of molecules by nucleation-sites recognition. [source] Crinkling Ultralong Carbon Nanotubes into Serpentines by a Controlled Landing ProcessADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 41 2009Yagang Yao Serpentine carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are successfully synthesized by controlling the landing of ultralong CNTs on a quartz surface. Several experimental parameters are investigated and the growth mechanism is further clarified (see figure). It is demonstrated that the high on/off ratio of single CNTs is maintained when serpentine CNTs are used to produce ultrahigh-current CNT-based devices. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||