Synthesis, structural characterization and photoluminescence properties of SiOx nanowires prepared using a palladium catalyst

We report the production of SiOx nanowires by thermal heating of Pd-coated Si substrates. Scanning electron microscope images indicated that the nanowires had diameters in the range of 15 – 100 nm. X-ray diffraction, selected area electron diffraction, and energy dispersive X-ray analyses revealed that the nanowires were amorphous and comprised of silicon oxide only. Photoluminescence measurements showed that the SiOx nanowires had an emission band in the blue region. We discuss a possible growth mechanism for the SiOx nanowires.