Preparation and characterization of AlN-based hierarchical nanostructures with improved chemical stability

AlN nanomaterials are attractive for their promising applications in the area of optoelectronics and electronics; hence, the synthesis of AlN-based nanostructures is vital to research on their related properties and potential applications. Herein, AlN-based hierarchical nanostructures, that is, AlN nanowires randomly decorated with silica nanoparticles and coated by a thin BN sheath on the surface, are synthesized and well characterized. The nanostructures possess similar light absorption and emission properties while their chemical stability is largely improved in comparison with the pure AlN nanowire.