Synthesis and characterization of nanowires and nanocables

The synthesis and characterization of nanowires and nanocables of carbides and nitrides were reported. The carbothermal reduction of SiO2 xerogel cont aining carbon nanoparticles in argon was used to prepare SiC nanowires and SiC nanowires sheathed with amorphous SiO2 coatings (SiC-cored nanocables). Si3N4 nanowires were also made by the carbothermal reduction, but the reac tion should be carried out in N-2 atmosphere. The gas reaction of Ga2O vapo r with flowing NH3 was used to form GaN nanowires on a porous alumina templ ate. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.