Spontaneous formation of core-shell GaAsP nanowires and their enhanced electrical conductivity

In this study, we report the growth of core-shell GaAsP nanowires using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. The grown core-shell nanowires were examined by detailed electron microscopy, revealing that the P concentration in the nanowire cores is higher than that in the shells. Au catalysts enhanced the local decomposition of PH3, leading to relevant high P incorporation in the nanowire cores during nanowire growth. These core-shell GaAsP nanowires exhibit enhanced electrical conductivity when compared with uniform GaAsP nanowires. This study provides an approach to enhance the electrical conductivity of III-V semiconductor nanowires.