Synthesis and characterization of vertically oriented hybrid Zn2GeO4-ZnO beaded nanowire arrays and Zn2GeO4 nanotubes

TL;DR

This paper reports the synthesis of vertically aligned hybrid Zn2GeO4-ZnO nanowire arrays and nanotubes using a catalyst-free vapor-solid process, with detailed structural characterization.

Contribution

It introduces a novel catalyst-free vapor-solid method to create hybrid Zn2GeO4-ZnO nanowire arrays and nanotubes with specific microstructures.

Findings

Successful synthesis of beaded hybrid nanowire arrays

Formation of Zn2GeO4 nanotubes via wet etching

Comprehensive structural characterization of products

Abstract

Vertically aligned, beaded zinc germinate (Zn2GeO4)/ zinc oxide (ZnO) hybrid nanowire arrays were successfully synthesized by a vapor-solid process via a catalyst-free approach. The as-synthesized products were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer. TEM studies revealed the beaded microstructures of the Zn2GeO4/ZnO nanowire. Furthermore, Zn2GeO4 nanotubes were synthesized after wet etching treatments on Zn2GeO4/ZnO hybrid nanowires.