Novel Au-embedded In2O3 nanowire: Synthesis and growth mechanism

In this study, we report novel Au-embedded In2O3 nanowire with octahedral-shaped base by chemical vapor deposition method. The interesting finding is that the catalytic Au is discontinuously distributed along the axial direction in the form of nanodots, which is verified by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis. NH3 is found playing the key effect on the formation of Au-embedded In2O3. The nucleation and formation processes of novel Au-embedded In2O3 NWs are co-catalyzed by ammonia and Au. In the presence of ammonia, In-Au alloy efficiently catalyzed the continuous growth of In2O3 and the Au is detached and remained within the nanowire due to the effect of NH3.