Synthesis and Characterization of YB66 Nanowires

The objective of the current research is to synthesize yttrium boride (YB 66 ) nanowires. Catalyst assisted growth of the nanowires under the vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) synthesis method was performed in a quartz tube furnace. The pyrolysis of diborane (B 2 H 6 ) gas over yttrium oxide (Y 2 O 3 ) powders with a thermally coated layer of nickel catalyst was carried out. The reaction conditions were at 925 o  C and a pressure of 390 mTorr with varying reaction times. SEM analysis has shown the growth of nanowires with diameters around 400 nm. A catalyst particle was also seen at the tip of the nanowires, confirming growth by the VLS mechanism. Other analysis techniques that were used include Raman spectroscopy and TEM analysis. The Raman spectra of the nanowires were in good agreement with a Raman spectrum obtained on a YB 66  single crystal. However, no other evidence was obtained that the nanowires contained yttrium or that the nanowires consisted of YB 66 .