Abstract
We report the first formation of arrays of InN nanorods inside the nanoscale channels of mesoporous silica SBA-15. In(NO 3 ) 3 dissolved in methanol was incorporated into SBA-15 powder without prior pore surface functionalization. Formation of InN nanorod arrays was carried out by ammonolysis at 700°C for 8 h. The final products have been characterized by FT-IR spectra, 29 Si MAS NMR spectra, Raman spectra, XRD patterns, TEM images, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherm measurements, and optical spectroscopy. The freestanding InN nanorods observed after silica framework removal with HF solution show diameters of 6-7.5 nm and lengths of 25-50 nm. Formation of a trace amount of In 2 O 3 was also verified. The InN nanorods exhibit a broad band centered at around 550-600 nm, and a band gap energy of 1.5 eV was determined. No light absorption in the near-IR region was measured. The nanorods give a weak emission band centered at around 600 nm. These optical properties are believed to be related to the possible incorporation of oxygen during InN nanorod synthesis. © 2008 American Chemical Society.