Regulated dynamics with two-monolayer steps in vapor-solid-solid growth of nanowires

TL;DR

This study investigates the growth mechanisms of ZnTe nanowires and heterostructures using in situ TEM, focusing on the role of monolayer steps, strain effects, and interface formation during vapor-solid-solid growth.

Contribution

It provides detailed insights into the step dynamics, strain influence, and interface development in vapor-solid-solid nanowire growth, highlighting the importance of two-monolayer steps.

Findings

Balance between one- and two-monolayer steps in growth modes

Strain and lattice effects influence step dynamics

Interface formation between CdTe and ZnTe observed

Abstract

The growth of ZnTe nanowires and ZnTe-CdTe nanowire heterostructures is studied by \emph{in situ} transmission electron microscopy. We describe the shape, and the change of shape, of the solid gold nanoparticle during vapor-solid-solid growth. We show the balance between one-monolayer and two-monolayer steps which characterizes the vapor-liquid-solid and vapor-solid-solid growth modes of ZnTe. We discuss the role of the mismatch strain and lattice coincidence between gold and ZnTe on the predominance of two-monolayer steps during vapor-solid-solid growth, and on the subsequent self-regulation of the step dynamics. Finally, the formation of an interface between CdTe and ZnTe is described.