Nanocarbon-assisted chemical etching of Ge(100) in H2O2

Abstract

We utilized graphene oxide (GO) flakes as a starting material to conduct nanocarbon (NC)-assisted chemical etching of Ge(1 0 0) surfaces in H₂O₂ solutions. Upon initial etching in H₂O₂, a pitted morphology formed beneath the loaded nanocarbon. The etch pits exhibited a tendency to expand, with edges assuming square-like shapes in H₂O₂ solutions. This phenomenon is reminiscent of an inverted pyramidal structure observed during enhanced etching of a Ge surface loaded with metallic particles, exposing (1 1 1) microfacets. As the etching progressed, noticeable lateral etching occurred on the Ge surface. Consequently, the small pits merged to form larger hollows, potentially exceeding the size of the initial GO flake. These etching properties were analyzed based on electrochemical reactions there, or the injection of holes created by the enhanced reduction of H₂O₂ molecules on nanocarbons, which were compared to those observed when using O₂-dissolved water as an etchant. Additionally, we provide guidelines for achieving more homogeneous and deeper etch structures using a loaded nanocarbon catalyst in H₂O₂.