Synthesis and characterization of SiC/SiO2 core-shell coaxial nanocables

A simple direct synthesis method was used to synthesis SiC/SiO2 core-shell coaxial nanocables by thermal evaporation of the mixture powders of silicon monoxide and active carbon at 1300 degrees C and condensation on Si substrate without assistance of any catalyst. The SiC core typically has diameters of 10-40 nm and is covered by a uniform layer of 2-10nm thick amorphous SiO2. A double vapor-solid growth process is proposed for the formation of this novel structures based on detailed structural characterizations. The cable nanostructures may find applications as building blocks in nanomechanical or nanoelectronic devices.