Carbon nanotubes as nanoreactors for fabrication of single-crystalline Mg₃N₂ nanowires

Due to fast decomposition of Mg₃N₂ in the presence of water in the atmosphere (Mg₃N₂ + 6H₂O → 3Mg(OH)₂ + 2NH₃), the synthesis of single-crystalline Mg₃N₂ nanowires has been a challenge. Here, we demonstrate that carbon nanotubes may serve as nanoreactors for a simple thermal reaction process resulting in the first fabrication of high-quality, large-yield, single-crystalline Mg₃N₂ nanowires. The Mg ₃N₂ nanowires are homogeneously sheathed over their entire lengths with very thin graphitic carbon tubular layers, which effectively prevent their decomposition (even when the samples are put into water or exposed to atmosphere for several months). We have systematically analyzed for the first time the Mg₃N₂ nanomaterlal by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM, and electron diffraction. Successful fabrication of carbon sheath protected Mg₃N₂ nanowires may promote further experimental studies on their crystal structures and properties. © 2006 American Chemical Society.