Catalyst-Free Synthesis, Structural, and Mechanical Characterization of Twinned Mg2B2O5 Nanowires

Nano Lett., 8 (2), 505 -510, 2008. 10.1021/nl072678j S1530-6984(07)02678-1
Web Release Date: January 8, 2008

Catalyst-Free Synthesis, Structural, and Mechanical Characterization of Twinned Mg₂B₂O₅ Nanowires

Xinyong Tao and Xiaodong Li*

Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of South Carolina, 300 Main Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29208

Received October 17, 2007

Revised December 13, 2007

Abstract:

Mg₂B₂O₅ nanowires with (010) twins were synthesized for the first time using a catalyst-free method. The microstructure of the Mg₂B₂O₅ nanowires has been extensively studied by cross-sectional high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Nanoindentation tests were performed directly on individual nanowires to probe their mechanical properties. It was found that the twinned Mg₂B₂O₅ nanowires achieve comparable hardness but 19% decrease in elastic modulus compared to their bulk counterpart. The elastic softening mechanisms of the Mg₂B₂O₅ nanowires are discussed with reference to their twin defects, size, and surface effects.

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