Bulk-quantity synthesis of single-crystalline indium nitride nanobelts

Wurtzite InN nanobelts have been synthesized in bulk quantities by means of in situ nitriding indium oxide powders in ammonia flux, with a high yield, high purity and good reproducibility. As-synthesized InN nanobelts have typical widths of 1-5 μm, thickness of 40-50 nm and lengths of tens to hundreds of microns imaged by scanning electron microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that the synthesized InN nanobelts are single crystalline in [0 0 0 1] orientation and preferentially enclosed by top surfaces ±(011¯0)/side surfaces ±(21¯1¯0). Photoluminescence spectrum of InN nanobelts at room temperature shows a strong emission peak centered at 704 nm (1.76 eV).