Systematic investigation of the formation of 1D α-Si ₃N₄ nanostructures by using a thermal-decomposition/ nitridation process

This article describes a simple thermal-decomposition/nitridation method for the large-scale synthesis of 1D α-Si₃N₄ nanostructures, such as millimeter-scale microribbons, nanosaws, nanoribbons, and nanowires. These nanostructures are systematically investigated by checking the product deposited at different areas by using powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and electron energy loss spectroscopy. Studies show that all these nanostructures have a single-crystalline nature and predominately grow along the [011] direction. These 1D nanostructures are formed by thermal decomposition, followed by the nitridation of SiO.