Self-assembly of semiconducting oxide nanowires, nanorods, and nanoribbons

We have synthesized three-dimensional self-assembled ZnO-based nanoscale heterostructures through the addition of alloying elements (In or Sn) during the vapor phase transport and condensation deposition process. Each three-dimensional nanoscale heterostructure consists of a faceted nanowire core, with side branches (nanoribbons or nanorods) emanating from facets of the central nanowire core. The central nanowire core can be either ZnO, (ZnO)11In2O3, or In2O3, depending on incoming flux composition ratio. The physical mechanism of branching stems from segregation of alloying elements to facets during the growth of the nanowire core, thus creating nucleation sites for side branches.