Growth, Optical, and Electrical Properties of In₂S₃ Zigzag Nanowires

Ultralong In 2 S 3 zigzag nanowires (diameter ∼66 nm) of variable periodicities are fabricated by physical vapor deposition of indium and sulfur, using Au as the catalyst element. The morphologies of the zigzag nanowires are controlled by interplay of surface free energy minimization and self-stacking of the closest-packed (103) and (00 12 ) planes along their axis. The resulting zigzag nanowires show an enhanced luminescence and a rectifying behavior, which can open up avenues for a host of potential device applications.