Tungsten oxide nanowires synthesized by a catalyst-free method at low temperature

Abstract

We report the synthesis of tungsten oxide W 18O 49 nanowires by thermal evaporation at low temperature without using catalysts. By placing tungsten powder in the high temperature zone at 650 °C and tungsten substrate in the low temperature zone at 400 °C of a tube furnace, W 18O 49 nanowires with diameters of 10-50nm are produced with high yield. The nanowires extend to 500-1500nm length, and the cross-sectional shapes are circular or polygonal. The roles of the source material, the pre-oxide layer on the substrate and the temperature of the reactor are also investigated. It is shown that the presence of oxygen on the W surface is essential for tungsten oxide nanowire growth. © IOP Publishing Ltd.