Influences of Si and Ni Catalysts on the Growth of Boron Nanowires

Boron nanowires (BNWs) were synthesized using boron powders as boron source and, Si and Ni as catalysts. The diameter of boron nanowires is about 50 ∼ 100 nm and their length is up to several micrometers. The experiments show that Si promotes the growth of boron nanowires. Using Ni(NO3)2 as Ni sources rather than NiSO4 produces more highly effective catalytic effects on the growth of nanowires. Additionally, the catalytic process will be improved by synthesizing NixBy catalysts before growth rather than simultaneously decomposing the metal salt and growing the boron nanowires (BNWs).