Formation of Cu1-xGex Nanoplatelets Using LPCVD of Ge2Me6/Et4Pb Mixture.

Unlike synthesis of nanowires (1D nano-objects) the synthesis of nanoplatelets (2D nano-objects) has not been performed frequently. Herein, we report on the synthesis of Cu–Ge based on nanoplatelets with a high surface-to-volume ratio prepared by low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) of Ge2Me6 and a mixture of Ge2Me6/PbEt4. Nanostructured deposits are composed of Cu1-xGex nanoplatelets, Ge nanowires and Ge nanoparticles. The nanoplatelets, which have the lateral size up to several tens of micrometers and thickness of 100–400 nm, belong to the cubic α phase of Cu91Ge9 alloy (Ge admixture in cubic Cu) and hexagonal ζ phase of Cu85Ge15 alloy. Nanowires composed of cubic Ge have a diameter of about 30 nm and length of several tens of micrometers. Lead does not enter any of these phases due to Pb–Cu and Pb–Ge immiscibility; therefore, it was observed as separate nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]