Synthesis of in-situ SiC nanowires by self-assembly nanoparticles on carbon fibers and their photoluminescence properties

Compared to vapor-liquid-solid (VLS), vapor-solid (VS) or template-confined mechanism, SiC NWs growth originating from self-assembly nanoparticles (NPs) building blocks is rarely reported. Here, we report a sequence of TEM images to elucidate a self-assembly growth process of SiC NWs synthesized whereby a simple chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method with excessive Si source. Results revealed four stages: i) formation of monodispersed amorphous NPs; ii) self-assembly from these NPs to nanorods (NRs); iii) chemical transformation from above NRs to SiC NWs; and iv) longitudinal and lateral growth of SiC NWs. Large-quantity, curve naturally SiC nanowires with 61.8 nm mean diameter were synthesized by an optimal process. Furthermore, the room temperature photoluminescence (RTPL) spectra manifested that SiC NWs are of blue-shifted emission bands. SiC NWs grown on carbon fibers can be promising candidates for applications in violet-blue light emitters. Understanding this growth mechanism of SiC NWs through self-assembly approach can provide guidance to design and control of structure, morphology and property of nanomaterials at high temperature.