Twinning-mediated growth of Al2O3 nanobelts and their enhanced dielectric responses

The twinning-mediated growth of Al2O3 nanobelts (see Figure) is successfully achieved by simple thermal evaporation. The as-synthesized Al2O3 nanobelts are composed of deformation twins along their entire length. The particular structures of these Al2O3 nanobelts apparently mimic those of plants such as bamboo, and their excellent dielectric properties may be significant for microstructural design of nanostructured materials and devices.