PNNL

Abstract

We report on the synthesis and self-assemlby of Al4C3 nanowires and nanoribbons using lithium as a catalyst. Large quantities of Al4C3 nanowires (diameters from 5 to 70 nm) and nanoribbons (5-70 nm thick and 20-5600 nm wide) tens of micrometers long were synthesized serendipitously in a solid-state reaction involving Al/C/Li at less than 780 degrees Celcius. High-resolution electron microscopy revealed that the nanowires all grew along the c-axis of hexagonal Al4C3, whereas the nanoribbons all grew within the basal plane. The facile synthesis of the Al4C3 nanowires and nanoribbons suggest similar nanostructures of other carbide and nitride materials may be made using the lithium-assisted self-assembly process.