Au-Sn Catalyzed Growth of GeSn Nanowires: Growth Direction, Crystallinity, and Sn Incorporation.

GeSn nanowires (NWs) have been a focus of research attention for their potential in realizing next-generation Si-compatible electronic and optoelectronic devices. To control the growth of NWs and increase their Sn content, the growth mechanism needs to be understood. The use of Au-Sn alloy catalysts instead of Au catalysts allows an easier understanding of GeSn NW growth, and the effects of Sn at different concentrations in catalysts on growth direction, Sn incorporation, and crystallinity of GeSn NWs can be clarified. High Sn content in Au-Sn alloy catalysts favors ⟨110⟩-oriented NW growth and high Sn incorporation in NWs. The higher Sn content in Au-Sn alloy catalysts also improves the crystallinity of NWs.