Growth, modulation and electronic properties of Al2O3-coatings SiC nanotubes via simple heating evaporation

We report a simple, efficient method to in situ grow the Al2O3 coating on the surface of single-crystalline tubular SiC nanostructures with controllable morphology, size and population density. The nanostructures are fabricated by heating evaporation Al powders and C-60 on the Si substrates. By varying the reaction temperature, we can conveniently control the size and density of Al2O3 nanoparticles coating. Moreover, the ultrathin Al2O3 coating is also achieved by decreasing the quantity of Al source. The electrical transport measurement from single nanostructure is carried out to further confirm the excellent electrical insulation of ultrathin Al2O3 coating. This result contributes to the development of SiC based-nanodevices, as well as nanocomposites.