Synthesis of GaN–carbon composite nanotubes and GaN nanorods by arc discharge in nitrogen atmosphere

A method using an arc discharge in a nitrogen atmosphere for synthesizing large quantities of gallium nitride (GaN)–Carbon composite nanotubes and GaN nanorods is reported. The reaction is achieved by a dc arc discharge between a graphite anode filled with a mixture of GaN, graphite, and nickel powders and a graphite cathode in a nitrogen atmosphere. The GaN are presented as rodlike fillings in the composite tubes and the isolated GaN nanorods have diameters in the range of 7–45 nanometers and a length of up to 40 μm. The outer graphitic shells of the composite carbon nanotubes have thicknesses ranging from 1 to 8 nm. It was found that the use of a nitrogen atmosphere plays a crucial role for the growth of the GaN nanorods fillings and the individual GaN nanorods.