Synthesis and optical properties of dendrite-like GaP nanostructures

Dendrite-like GaP nanostructures have been prepared at low temperature via a solvothermal route using mesoporous silica SBA-15 microparticles (SMP) with surface channels as the structure-directing agent. The samples were characterized with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), diffuse reflection ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, and room-temperature photoluminescence. The formation mechanism and optical properties of the dendrites are discussed.