Regulated Dynamics with Two Monolayer Steps in Vapor–Solid–Solid Growth of Nanowires

Abstract

The growth of ZnTe nanowires and ZnTe–CdTe nanowire heterostructures is studied by in situ transmission electron microscopy. We describe the shape and the change of shape of the solid gold nanoparticle during vapor–solid–solid growth. We show the balance between one monolayer and two monolayer steps, which characterizes the vapor–liquid–solid and vapor–solid–solid growth modes of ZnTe. We discuss the likely role of the mismatch strain and lattice coincidence between gold and ZnTe on the predominance of two monolayer steps during vapor–solid–solid growth and on the subsequent self-regulation of the step dynamics. Finally, the formation of an interface between CdTe and ZnTe is described.

Statistics of Nucleation and Growth of Single Monolayers in Nanowires: Towards a Deterministic Regime

“…A paucity of NW species in the catalyst also occurs in vapor–solid–solid NW growth, and we believe that this is the reason for the observation of self‐regulation effects in this mode as well. [ 48 ]…”

Diameter Control of GaSb Nanowires Revealed by In Situ Environmental Transmission Electron Microscopy

“…The introduction of environmental transmission electron microscopes (ETEMs) has allowed the exploration of some of the previously hidden aspects of nanowire growth dynamics in real time. − Importantly, nanowires have in some circumstances been shown to exhibit unconventional growth modes that differ from the traditional view. , In situ growth has also proven to be an invaluable technique in developing new methods and strategies to circumvent known problems in conventional ex situ nanowire growth systems, which has most notably been demonstrated in Si nanowire growth. , The strength lies in that the surrounding growth conditions can be changed in real time based on the observations made, and the effects on the growth are immediate, which means that conclusions about the growth dynamics can quickly be drawn. By monitoring the growth and how it changes with the growth conditions, it is also easier to make rational decisions about how to adjust the growth conditions to achieve a specific result.…”

In situ observations of size effects in GaAs nanowire growth

“…3,6,9 In situ studies of nanowires using specialized environmental transmission electron microcoscopes (eTEMs) offer the ability to explore dynamic processes in real time. [10][11][12][13][14][15][16] In III-V nanowires such studies have allowed to obtain real time information of nanowire nucleation, 17 droplet and nanowire composition, 18,19 contact angle 20 and structural changes. 18,21 Furthermore, in situ growth of III-V nanowires has allowed researchers to confirm that the nanowire growth proceeds via the layer-by-layer growth process.…”