Fabrication, structural characterization and photoluminescence of single-crystal ZnxCd1-xS zigzag nanowires

Large-scale synthesis of ternary ZnxCd1-xS zigzag nanowires was achieved in a one-step metal-organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) process with co-fed single precursors of ZnS and CdS. Their morphologies, structures and optical properties were characterized and confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, x-ray spectroscopy, and photoluminescence. The ZnxCd1-xS zigzag nanowires are single crystalline, with axis [001], by changing the growth direction from [1 1 3a(2)/2c(2)] to [1 1 3a(2)/2C(2)]. Regarding the formation of zigzag nanowires, we suggest that the shear strain and slight fluctuation of the reaction conditions may be the major factors that make the nanowires change growth direction. In addition, because of the lower temperature and versatility, this new fabrication method might present a new and facile way to form other ternary nanomaterials. Furthermore, the green emission of the nanowires may have potential applications in electronic/optical nanodevices.