Synthesis of alpha-SiO2 nanowires using Au nanoparticle catalysts on a silicon substrate

Large-scale SiO2 nanowires were synthesized by using a simple but an effect ive approach at low temperature. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to characterize the samples. The results indicated that SiO2 nanowires with a uniform diameter of about 20 nm and a length up to 10 mum have been synthe sized. Photoluminescence measurement showed that the SiO2 nanowires emitted blue light at 2.8 and 3.0 eV. The possible growth process of the SiO2 nano wires is discussed. Using this method, large panels of SiO2 nanowires can b e made under conditions that are suitable for device fabrication.