Influence of the Electron Beam and the Choice of Heating Membrane on the Evolution of Si Nanowires' Morphology in In Situ TEM

Overview

Journal Materials (Basel)

Publisher MDPI

Date 2022 Aug 12

PMID 35955179

Authors

Ya Shen

Xuechun Zhao

Ruiling Gong

Eric Ngo

Jean-Luc Maurice

Pere Roca I Cabarrocas

Wanghua Chen

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

We used in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to observe the dynamic changes of Si nanowires under electron beam irradiation. We found evidence of structural evolutions under TEM observation due to a combination of electron beam and thermal effects. Two types of heating holders were used: a carbon membrane, and a silicon nitride membrane. Different evolution of Si nanowires on these membranes was observed. Regarding the heating of Si nanowires on a C membrane at 800 °C and above, a serious degradation dependent on the diameter of the Si nanowire was observed under the electron beam, with the formation of Si carbide. When the membrane was changed to Si nitride, a reversible sectioning and welding of the Si nanowire was observed.

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