Luminescence properties of SiC/SiO2 core–shell nanowires with different radial structure

The luminescence properties of SiC/SiO2 core/shell nanowires with different core to shell thickness ratio are analysed by SEM-Cathodoluminescence spectroscopy. The different radial NW structure, studied by transmission electron microscopy, deeply influences the efficiency of competitive radiative transitions. As the core to shell ratio decreases, the increase of a UV emission component is observed indicating that the electron–hole pairs recombine directly in the silicon dioxide and the beneficial effect of shell-induced enhancement of the core emissions is less efficient.

► In this work we study SiC/SiO2 core/shell nanowires with different growth condition.
► The different growth times induce a different radial structure of the NWs.
► The different radial structure consists mainly of a thicker SiO2 shell.
► The different radial structure affects the emission properties.
► Strong UV emission is found in the thick shell NWs.