Controlled Synthesis of Abundantly Branched, Hierarchical Nanotrees by Electron Irradiation of Polymers

Abstract

Hierarchical silicon oxycarbide tree-like nanostructures, which consist of trunks and abundant branches, have been fabricated by electron irradiation of organosilicon polymers. The nanotree structures have two different morphologies, cluster-assembled and nanowire-assembled. The morphology of the nanotrees can be controlled by the irradiation parameters. The proposed approach promises a straightforward means to fabricate complex hierarchical organic–inorganic nanostructures. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2089/2006/c1600_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.