Induced structural modifications in ZnS nanowires via physical state of catalyst: Highlights of 15R crystal phase

Peculiar and unique growth mechanisms involved in semiconductor nanowires (NWs) pave the way to achievement of new crystallographic phases remarkable material properties, hence, studying polytypism NWs arouses a strong interest for next generation electronic photonic applications. In this context, ZnS has been investigated, as bulk compound exhibits numerous unstable polytypes at high temperatures, but their stable occurrence is highly anticipated nanowire due its special quasi-dimensional shape modes. work, idea provide change mechanism via physical state catalyst droplet (liquid or solid) study induced structural modifications nanowires. The HRTEM images VLS (via liquid alloyed catalyst) grown show periodic stacking faults, which precisely identified sequence cubic hexagonal individual planes leading an astonishing 15R crystal polymorph. This phase observed first time Contrastingly, with VSS solid zinc blende wurtzite. We calculate discuss role cohesive energies formation such polytypes. Further, we present selection rules crystallization structure different phases.