In situ catalytic growth of Al2O3 and Si nanowires

Al2O3 nanowires and Si nanowires with wrapping layers of amorphous Al2O3 ha ve been synthesized by heating a mixture of Al, SiO2 and Fe2O3 catalyst sup ported on alumina at different temperatures. The results indicate the growt h of the two nanowires competes against each other and depends on the react ion temperature. The addition of SiO2 is not essential for synthesizing Al2 O3 nanowires. Al2O3 nanowires can be synthesized by directly heating Al wit h some catalysts when oxygen was introduced. In situ catalytic growth and s ilica-assisted effect are also discussed. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Sc ience B.V.