Spontaneous formation of core–shell GaAsP nanowires and their enhanced electrical conductivity

Abstract

In this study, we report the growth of core–shell GaAsP nanowires using metal–organic chemical vapor deposition. The grown core–shell nanowires were examined by detailed electron microscopy, revealing that the P concentration in the nanowire cores is higher than that in the shells. Au catalysts enhanced the local decomposition of PH₃, leading to relevant high P incorporation in the nanowire cores during nanowire growth. These core–shell GaAsP nanowires exhibit enhanced electrical conductivity when compared with uniform GaAsP nanowires. This study provides an approach to enhance the electrical conductivity of III–V semiconductor nanowires.