Liquid-Assisted Vapor–Solid–Solid Silicon Nanowire Growth Mechanism Revealed by <i>In Situ</i> TEM When Using Cu–Sn Bimetallic Catalysts

We report on a silicon nanowire growth method that is based the use of dual-phase catalyst made liquid Sn and solid Cu3Si, which results in liquid-assisted VSS (LA-VSS) mechanism. The atoms are brought by atomic hydrogen-assisted dissociation silane molecules. observe situ, transmission electron microscope, at resolution. show favors ?111? crystallographic orientation. Each new Si(111) plane nucleates interface between parts before propagating rapidly along Si top facet with part slowly part. Moreover, we structural properties nanowires, such as direction twin density, can be controlled adjusting Sn/Cu ratio.