Preparation of ZnO/In2O3(ZnO)n heterostructure nanobelts

Abstract

Bent In2O3(ZnO)n/ZnO (n = 4 and 5) heterostructure nanobelts were successfully synthesized by a simple thermal vapor method for the first time, using Au as a catalyst. The heterostructures were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nanoprobe X-ray energy dispersive. The relationship between the strain induced by lattice mismatch and the radius of curvature of the nanobelts with heterostructure is discussed in terms of geometric mathematics. A formation mechanism of the heterostructures is suggested. Such a structure could be an ideal model system for exploring novel phenomena with potential applications and studying size and dimension dependent properties at the nanoscale.