Synthesis of Aluminum Nitride Nanowires from Carbon Nanotubes

Aluminum nitride nanowires have been synthesized in bulk from carbon nanotubes (CNTs) at relatively low temperatures. This method produces AlN nanowires through the reaction of the carbon nanotubes, Al, and Al2O3 in a flowing NH3 atmosphere. The diameters of the products, mainly in the range of 10−50 nm, correspond with the diameters of the carbon nanotubes, which provides a promising way to control the diameters of the AlN nanowires. The AlN nanowires fabricated in this way are single crystals covered by a thin amorphous layer. The small diameter and single crystal form make the AlN nanowires highly flexible. The growth mechanism of the AlN nanowires and the factors that allow a decrease in the synthesis temperature are discussed.