Tubular Sn-filled carbon nanostructures on ITO: Nanocomposite material for multiple applications

Hollow carbon nanostructures filled by metallic Sn were fabricated by means of chemical vapor deposition on transparent Indium Tin Oxide (ITO). We found no need for catalytic particles, and the growth happens in the temperature range 820–940 K. Upon annealing in an oxygen atmosphere, the carbon skin could be burned out, leaving SnOx pillars on the ITO substrate. The electrical and optical properties of the grown Sn/C and SnOx nanopillars were characterized. This growth strategy is versatile and can suitably be adapted to different substrate materials, provided that ITO can be deposited and annealed at the temperature required for the formation of the nanostructures. The rational control of this simple growth process and the lack of deposited external catalysts allow the fabrication of ordered, possibly, vertically aligned nanopillars over large areas, with tunable morphological, electrical and optical characteristics. This approach is envisaged as a promising path to develop energy generation and storage electrodes or chemical sensors with improved efficiency.