Fe(NO3)3-assisted large-scale synthesis of Si3N4 nanobelts from quartz and graphite by carbothermal reduction–nitridation and their photoluminescence properties

The large-scale synthesis of Si3N4 nanobelts from quartz and graphite on a graphite-felt substrate was successfully achieved by catalyst-assisted carbothermal reduction-nitridation. The phase composition, morphology, and microstructure of Si3N4 nanobelts were investigated by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The Si3N4 nanobelts were ~4-5 mm long and ~60 nm thick and exhibited smooth surfaces and flexible shapes. The Si3N4 nanobelts were well crystallized and grow along the [101] direction. The growth is dominated by the combined mechanisms of vapor-liquid-solid base growth and vapor-solid tip growth. The Fe(NO3)3 played a crucial role in promoting the nanobelt formation in the initial stage. The room-temperature photoluminescence spectrum of Si3N4 nanobelts consists of three emission peaks centered at 413, 437, and 462 nm, indicating potential applications in optoelectronic nanodevices.