Shape modification of Si nanowires by using faceted silicide catalysts nucleated in Au-Si catalyst solution during the growth

The shape modification of Si nanowires is demonstrated using faceted solid silicide catalysts. The Si nanowires were grown on Si(111) substrates covered with Au as a catalyst using MnCl2 and Si powders as source materials. The solid silicide catalysts were nucleated and formed in the Au-Si catalyst solution at the top of the nanowires during the growth. The faceted solid silicides grew larger with increased growth time and played a role as a solid catalyst. The faceted shape of the catalyst defines the shape of the faceted Si nanowire. The squared Si nanowires were grown with the growth direction of Si[111] and the sidewalls of {110} and {211} planes. The growth evolution of the faceted Si nanowires occurs by a vapor-liquid-solid mechanism followed by the silicide vapor-solid-solid mechanism.