Growth of amorphous SiO₂ nanowires on Si using a Pd/Au thin film as a catalyst

Nanowires of amorphous SiO₂ were synthesized by thermal processing of a Si(100) substrate at 1100°C in the presence of a nitrogen flow, and using a 15 nm thick high silicon-solubility Pd/Au film as a catalyst. The substrate itself was the only source of silicon for the nanowire growth. The nanostructures produced were characterized by high resolution transmission and scanning electron microscopy and by X-ray diffraction. The nanowire growth is consistent with the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism, with particles of Pd₂Si and Au(Pd) being observed to form from the reaction between silicon and the catalytic film, and to remain at the tip of the wires. The synthesized nanowires showed a well defined morphology which could be very interesting for lasing applications.