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The VLS Mechanism

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Synthesis of Nanomaterials

Part of the book series: Springer Series in Materials Science ((SSMATERIALS,volume 307))

Abstract

Vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) growth mechanism for the growths of one-dimensional and quasi-two-dimensional nanomaterials has been reviewed in some details. The historical background of the VLS mechanism has first been presented. The most important requirements of the VLS mechanism to be effective for growths have then been laid down. Eutectic phase has also been described. Various elements of this phase such as the formation of droplets, incubation time, thermodynamic and kinetic conditions for incubation, supersaturation, nucleation and growth, binary phases and diagrams of binary phases, and the critical elements pertaining to the formation of droplets have then been elaborated. FECA metal selection and the possible means to perform this selection have been narrated. Growth dynamics and the temperature dependency of this growth have been discussed. While examining the failures of the VLS mechanism for nanomaterial growths, important observations pertaining to silicon nanowire growth rate as function of growth parameters, InAs nanowire growth rate as function of growth parameters, and the lack of atomic-scale control over growths by the VLS mechanism have been depicted. While examining the failure of the VLS mechanism in mediating the carbon nanotube growths, location, shape, and size of the catalyst particle during these growths, crystallographic relationship during growths, nanoparticle conditions during growths, and the presumed stages of growths have been chronicled. Finally, various criteria for the VLS growths have been documented.

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    S. Noor Mohammad

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Mohammad, S.N. (2020). The VLS Mechanism. In: Synthesis of Nanomaterials. Springer Series in Materials Science, vol 307. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-57585-4_5

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