Efficient preparation of NiSi nanowires by DC arc-discharge

NiSi nanowires were synthesized by DC arc-discharge approach. As material sources, mixtures of Si and Ni powders (high purity chemicals) were put into a graphite crucible as the anode. The products were characterized by SEM, TEM, EDX and XRD. As-prepared NiSi nanowires have the diameter of 50–100 nm and length of several micrometers. From the obtained experimental results, we explain the growth mechanism of the nanowires based on the vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) growth model. Two important conditions, high temperature and enough Ni supply, are emphasized for the synthesis of the NiSi nanowires. Magnetic characterization was carried out and the results show that the NiSi nanowires exhibit ferromagnetic characteristics at room temperature.