Nano-dimensional structures of 3C-SiC formed from rice husk

Silicon Carbide (SiC) nanowires and nanorods have attracted much interest because of their novel physical properties resulting from quantum confinement. The electrical and optical properties due to low-dimensional nanostructures can be tailored for potential applications in nanoelectronics, nanosensors, and biotechnology. However, in all of these applications large quantities of these nanostructures are needed, so a simple way of producing them is key. In this paper, we will demonstrate that large quantities of the nanostructures of β-SiC can be obtained from the agricultural waste of rice husks by controlled conditions of temperature and surrounding atmosphere in a thermogravimetric set-up. Using x-ray diffraction, SEM, and TEM, we will show the simultaneous formation of carbon nanotubes and nanorod/nanowires of β-SiC from the pyrolysis of rice husks in the TGA set-up. The temperature and the inert atmosphere are two critical elements in the formation of α-cristabolite (SiO₂) or β-SiC. In addition, we will present the photolumiscence properties and compare the results available in the literature.