Phase-equilibrium-dominated vapor-liquid-solid mechanism: further evidence

Prediction and design of various nanomaterials is a long-term dream in nanoscience and nanotechnology, which depends on the deep understanding on the growth mechanism. Herein, we report the successful prediction on the growth of AlN nanowires by nitriding Al69Ni31 alloy particles across the liquid-solid (β) phase region (1133–1638°C) based on the phase-equilibrium-dominated vapor-liquid-solid (PED-VLS) mechanism proposed in our previous study. All predictions about the growth of AlN nanowires, the evolutions of lattice parameters and geometries of the coexisting Al-Ni alloy phases are experimentally confirmed quantitatively. The preconditions for the applicability of the PED-VLS mechanism are also clarified. This progress provides the further evidence for the validity of the PED-VLS mechanism and demonstrates a practical guidance for designing and synthesizing different nanomaterials according to corresponding phase diagrams based on the insight into the growth mechanism.