Synthesis and growth of SiC/SiO2 nanocables decorated with laminated porous ceramics from filter paper and polymericprecursor

A simple and efficient way to synthesize the SiC/SiO2 nanocables decorated with the laminated porous ceramics by pyrolysis of filter papers impregnated with silicone resins in flowing argon atmosphere has been successfully developed. The phase composition of the laminated porous ceramics was measured by X-ray diffraction. The morphology and microstructure of the samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The experimental results show that the nanocables composed of crystalline SiC core coated with a shell of amorphous SiO2 were observed in the interfacial channels and pores of the laminated ceramics. The diameters of SiC cores were 40–80 nm and the thicknesses of SiO2 shells were 4–10 nm. The increase of the pyrolysis temperature caused an increase in the amount of SiC/SiO2 nanocables. Finally, a vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) process was discussed as the growth mechanism of the nanocables.