Fe whisker growth revisited: effect of Au catalysis for [02] oriented nanowires with 100 nm diameter†
Abstract
We re-examined the growth of single crystalline Fe whiskers by chemical vapour deposition with regard to modern nanowire (NW) growth techniques. Single Fe NWs (100–300 nm diameter) with a high aspect ratio and unique [02] orientation were grown by optimizing the flow of raw materials (FeCl2 and H2) and using a Au nanoparticle catalyst and single crystalline substrate. The growth mechanism was investigated by transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction analysis of the NW-catalyst interface.