Synthesis and characterization of γ-Al2O3 nanorods

One-dimensional nanorods of cubic aluminum oxide (gamma-Al2O3) have been synthesized by DC electric arc discharge of Fe and Al powders. It is seen that the diameters of the gamma-Al(2)O3 nanorods are relatively uniform, ranging from 20 to 30 nm. On the basis of detailed transmission electron microscopic observation, it is proposed that the growth of a gamma-Al2O3 nanorod follows the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) process assisted by a two-dimensional vapor-solid (VS) nucleation and growth mechanism. The features of heavy twinning in the nanorod imply that twins might contribute to the growth of the nanorod and serve as the nucleus of the nanorod.