Synthesis and optical properties of ZnTe single-crystalline nanowires

Single-crystalline ZnTe nanowires with the zincblende structure have been synthesized on silicon (Si) substrates via a vapor phase transport method. The ZnTe (99.99%) powders were used as the source, and 10 nm-thick thermal evaporated gold (Au) film was used as the catalyst. The as-prepared ZnTe nanowires have diameters of 30-80 nm and lengths of more than 10 microm. The products were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Optical properties of these nanowires were investigated by room-temperature Raman scattering spectrum and temperature-dependent photoluminescence measurements. The results show that the as-prepared ZnTe nanowires are of high crystal quality.