A new approach of the synthesis of SiO2 nanowires by using bulk copper foils as catalyst

• Published in: Applied surface science Vol. 387; pp. 1072 - 1079
• Main Authors: Gomez-Martinez, A., Márquez, F., Morant, C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier B.V 30-11-2016; Elsevier
• Subjects: Catalysts; Catalytic Cu centers; Copper; CVD; Foils; Gaseous SiO species; Heat treatment; MATERIALS SCIENCE; Nanowires; Nanowires protective against Cu oxidation; Nucleation; Silica nanowires; Silicon dioxide; Synthesis; VLS process; CVD; Gaseous SiO species; Catalytic Cu centers; VLS process; Nanowires protective against Cu oxidation; Silica nanowires
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2016.06.115

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A novel procedure for the growth of SiO2 nanowires (SiO2NWs) directly from polycrystalline copper foils is reported. The single-step synthesis procedure consists of a thermal treatment at 900°C without the need for additional catalysts. As a result, nanowires with an average diameter of 100nm are synthesized. A systematic study undertaken at different stages of the SiO2NWs growth confirmed the generation of nucleation centers on the Cu surface, as well as revealed the existence of an intermediate gaseous SiO species at the synthesis temperature. On the basis of these evidences, the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) route has been proposed as the mechanism responsible for the growth.