Synthesis and characterization of GaN/ZnS core–shell nanowires

GaN/ZnS core–shell nanowires have been synthesized via a two-step route involving catalyst-assisted chemical vapor deposition and vacuum thermal evaporation. Morphology, micro-structure and compositions of the as-prepared core–shell nanowires were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Lattice vibrations of the nanowires were studied by Raman scattering spectra. It is found that two kinds of radial GaN/ZnS heterojunctions, i.e. GaN nanowires cores coated with uniform polycrystalline ZnS layers or nanoparticles, have been synthesized. Such novel GaN/ZnS core–shell nanowires have potential applications in optoelectronics and the fabrication approach developed here is facile and may be extended to other one-dimensional radial heterostructured nanowires.

► GaN/ZnS core–shell nanowires have been synthesized via a two-step route involving chemical vapor deposition and vacuum thermal evaporation.
► Morphologies, microstructures and composition distribution of the as-fabricated core–shell nanowires were characterized in details.
► Lattice vibration of GaN/ZnS core–shell nanowires were examined by Raman scattering spectrum.