SiC and its bicrystalline nanowires with uniform BN coatings

Abstract

Uniformly BN-coated SiC nanowires have been synthesized within the framework of vapor–liquid–solid growth mechanism. Nanoscale Ni–C alloy covering graphite sheet was used as catalysts and the mixture of boron and silica was heated to simultaneously generate B2O2 and SiO gas-phase precursors. 2 to 4 nm BN layers were found to coat the overall surface of the inside of the SiC nanowires with the diameters ranging from several nm to 80 nm. The bicrystalline structure of SiC nanowires with BN coating were also observed and had a [311] growth axis at least. The structures and possible coating mechanism have been studied by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy.