Self-catalyzed vapor-liquid-solid growth of InP1-xSbx nanostructures

We report the growth of Inp(1-x)Sb(x) nanowires, cones, and pillars via the vapor-liquid-solid process using metalorganic precursors and liquid indium as the catalyst. The as-grown nanostructure morphology, crystallinity, and composition were determined using electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. We obtained pure zinc blende structured InP1-xSbx wires at similar to 360 degrees C, while cones and pillars with a mixture of zinc blende and wurtzite structures were formed at higher temperatures. The Sb content in the nanowires, estimated from the diffraction data, was 12 at%. This concentration and wurtzite phase fraction increased with increasing growth temperature. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.