Single-crystal and twinned Zn2SnO4 nanowires with axial periodical structures

Single-crystal Zn2SnO4 (ZTO) nanowires were synthesized by thermal evaporation of a mixture of Zn and SnO powders at 1000 degrees C. The ZTO nanowires showed unique periodical structures in contrast to the traditional nanowires. It was found that the yield of the single-crystal ZTO nanowires was strongly dependent on the weight ratio of Zn and SnO in the source mixture. With the decrease of Zn content in the source, twinned ZTO nanowires with alternating (1 (1) over bar1) twins along the axial direction can be obtained. The formation mechanism of these ZTO nanostructures is discussed. The photoluminescence of the ZTO nanowires was measured.