Novel 2D self-assembled arrays of SiOx nanowire bundles

Novel 2D ordered arrays formed by self-assembly of SiOx nanowire bundles have been prepared on a silicon wafer via a facile metal-mediated gas-phase reaction. The products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Two types of arrays were grown on a substrate surface by adjusting the preparation parameters. The findings suggest that the growth atmosphere, the flow rate of carrier gas and the relative placement of source and substrate are all responsible for the formation of these unique self-assembled structures. The intermolecular action is the internal driving force for the self-assembly. The formation mechanism of the arrays was proposed on the basis of the growing process.