Analysis of the Growth of Laterally Aligned SnO2 Nanowires by Thermodynamic Considerations and Experiments

Recently, we reported the experimental tuning of the growth of freestanding SnO2 nanowires to a laterally aligned nanowire grovvth mode. Here, we present thet-modynamic considerations taking into account the previously reported influencing parameters determining the experiments, i.e., the total pressure, the Sn/O ratio at the sample sites, the nanowire diameter, and the substrate type. We will discuss process parameters which will prefer a laterally aligned growth mode. We show that a continuous gold film used as catalyst inhibits the laterally aligned growth. Only at the edges the lateral growth can proceed, whereas the area region is covered by freestanding wires. The reason for that will be explained in a model. Furthernore, the laterally aligned nanowire surface faceting is analyzed by means of transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy and explained.

Automated summary

This study discusses the experimental tuning of freestanding SnO2 nanowires growth to a laterally aligned nanowire growth mode, with thermodynamic considerations for influencing parameters. The research shows that a continuous gold film inhibits the laterally aligned growth, leading to growth only at the edges while the central region is covered by freestanding wires.