Self-assembled one-dimensional hierarchical SiC nanostructures: Microstructure, growth mechanism, and optical properties

Self-assembled one-dimensional (1-D) hierarchical SiC nanostructures were synthesized by heating a milled Si and SiO2 powder mixture in the presence of ZnS. Structure and morphology characterizations revealed that the 1-D hierarchical SiC nanostructures are single crystalline and consisted of consecutive truncated cones along its length. A vapor–solid (VS) self-assembly mechanism is proposed for the formation of the hierarchical SiC nanostructures. ZnS is recognized to act as a SiC nucleation initiator and to regulate the formation of the consecutive truncated cones. The as-synthesized 1-D hierarchical SiC nanostructures exhibit a strong sharp blue emission at 445.2 nm, as well as a broad weak cyan emission ranging from 475 to 500 nm. The study may be helpful to understand the formation of complex nanostructures and may find potential applications in nanodevices.