Synthesis of amorphous SiCO nanowires was carried out by means of direct current are discharge. Free-standing SiCO nanowires were deposited on the surface of a graphite crucible without any catalyst and template. The SiCO nanowires were analyzed by XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, and FTIR. The SiCO nanowires were typically 20-100 gm in length and 10-100 nm in diameter as measured by SEM and TEM. The XPS and FTIR spectroscopy analysis confirmed that the Si atoms share bonds with O and C atoms in mixed SiCO units. The PL spectrum of the SiCO nanowires showed strong and stable white emissions at 454 and 540 nm. A plasma-assisted vapor-solid growth mechanism is proposed to be responsible for the formation of the SiCO nanowires.
