Spiral nucleation of silicon solidified on heterogeneous surface of carbon nanocones.

Molecular dynamics studies are carried out to examine the spiral nucleation mode of silicon solidified on the surface of carbon nanocones (CNCs). The silicon atoms are concentrated to form magic multilayered nanocones composed of coaxial and equidistant conical shells. Heterogeneous nucleation that occurred on CNCs follows a spiral nucleating mechanism. The structures of so-formed silicon cones show strict structural matching and strong structural relevance with CNCs. The uniform internal potential field around the CNCs is responsible for the formation of the coaxial conical shells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]