First-principles calculations of AIN nanowires and nanotubes: Atomic structures, energetics, and surface states

The atomic and electronic structures of single-crystalline aluminum nitride nanowires (AINNWs) and thick-walled aluminum nanotubes (AINNTs) with the diameters ranging from 0.7 to 2.2 nm are explored. Results reveal that the preferable lateral facets of AINNWs and thick-walled AINNTs are {1010} surfaces, giving rise to hexagonal cross sections.