Catalytic synthesis and optical properties of large-scale GaN nanorods

A novel lanthanon seed was employed as the catalyst for the growth of GaN nanorods. Large-scale GaN nanorods were synthesized successfully through ammoniating Ga2O3/Tb films sputtered on Si(111) substrates. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and photoluminescence spectrum were used to characterize the samples. The results demonstrate that the nanorods are single-crystal GaN with hexagonal wurtzite structure and possess good optical properties. The growth mechanism of GaN nanorods is also discussed. (C) 2008 Published by Elsevier B.V.