Structure and luminescent properties of GaN nanorods grown by magnetron sputtering and ammoniating technique

A novel rare earth metal seed Tb was employed as the catalyst to grow GaN nanorods. Large-scale GaN nanorods were synthesized successfully through ammoniating Ga2O3/Tb films sputtered on Si(1 1 1) substrates. Studies by X-ray diffraction indicate that the nanorods are hexagonal GaN. Observations by scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy show that GaN is of single-crystal nanorod structure. Photoluminescence spectrum shows the products possess good luminescent properties. The growth mechanism of GaN nanorods is also discussed.