Comparison of Au and Ti02 based catalysts for the synthesis of chalcogenide nanowires

Abstract

We present a comparative study of Ti02-based and Au catalysts tor the physical vapor deposition of (Bi1-xSbr)2Se3 topological insulator nanowires. The standard Au nanoparticle catalyst was compared to live Ti02 nanoparticle based catalysts (anatasc, rutile, P-25, high surface area anatase, and Ti02 supported Au particles). The use of Au nanoparticles seriously harms the properties of nanowires. thereby limiting their application. In contrast, Ti02 based catalysts lead to the residue-free growth of nanowires with a higher degree of crystallinity. Homogeneous nanowire ensembles are achieved with the mixed phase P-25 catalyst, and a possible growth mechanism is proposed.