(428a) Kinetic Control of Self-Catalyzed Indium Phosphide Nano - Wires, Cones, and Pillars

Nanowire research has gained tremendous momentum due to its potential applications in nano-electronics, photonics, solar cells, and thermoelectrics. Precise control of size, morphology, density, and uniformity is essential for realizing these commercial opportunities. Most indium phosphide nanowire research is prepared by vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth using gold catalysts. However, gold incorporation into the InP is unavoidable and can adversely affect optoelectronic properties. As an alternative, we have investigated the self-catalyzed growth of InP using liquid indium droplets in a metalorganic vapor-phase epitaxy (MOVPE) process. In this study, three distinct shapes were obtained depending on the growth conditions: nano- wires, cones, and pillars. The shape of nanostructures is determined by the relative rates of indium phosphide deposition via vapor-liquid-solid and vapor-phase epitaxial growth processes. At the meeting, we will discuss more details on the underlying mechanisms of the crystal growth process and the relationship between the deposition mechanism and the resultant shape of the nanostructure.