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 Mg3N2 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 nanomaterial 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.