Synthesis of bamboo-like silicon nanotubes using thermal evaporation with assistance of lanthanum

One dimensional silicon hollow structure nanomaterials have promising applications in optoelectronic and sensor devices. In this report, amorphous bamboo-like silicon nanotubes were synthesized by a La modified thermal evaporation process. The transmission electron microscope (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), X-ray diffraction spectrum (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were used to characterize the structure and composition of as prepared samples and residues. Unlike traditional metal-catalytic method, SAED and EDS analysis revealed that there was no metal contamination observed in the final products. Herein a preferential interface nucleation model appeared to control the growth of nanotubular structure and La acts as a modulator of SiO vaporization. © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.