title: Synthesis and photocurrent of amorphous boron nanowires.
abstract: Although theoretically feasible, synthesis of boron nanostructures is challenging due to the highly reactive nature, high melting and boiling points of boron. We have developed a thermal vapor transfer approach to synthesizing amorphous boron nanowire using a solid boron source. The amorphous nature and chemical composition of boron nanowires were characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, and electron energy loss spectroscopy. Optical properties and photoconduction of boron nanowires have not yet been reported. In our investigation, the amorphous boron nanowire showed much better optical and electrical properties than previously reported photo-response of crystalline boron nanobelts. When excited by a blue LED, the photo/dark current ratio (I/I₀) is 1.5 and time constants in the order of tens of seconds. I/I₀ is 1.17 using a green light.
authors: Department of Materials Science and NanoEngineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, USA.
authors: Liehui
authors: L
authors: Ge
authors: Sidong
authors: S
authors: Lei
authors: Amelia H C
authors: AH
authors: Hart
authors: Guanhui
authors: G
authors: Gao
authors: Huma
authors: H
authors: Jafry
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Vajtai
authors: Pulickel M
authors: PM
authors: Ajayan