In2O3 nanotowers:: Controlled synthesis and mechanism analysis

Two kinds of novel In2O3 nanotowers were synthesized in an improved chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system through controlling the kinetics factors (saturation ratio). The morphologies and crystalline structures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A periodical one-dimensional (1-D) and persistent 0-D growth was proposed to explain the formation of nanotower I, and the formation of nanotower II was ascribed to the alternate 1-D and 0-D growth. The growth mechanism analysis was useful to realize the relation between the kinetics factors and the complex nanostructure. The synthesis of complex tower-shaped structures not only enriched the synthesis science but also provided new blocks in future architecture of functional nanodevices.