Rolled-Up Membranes from GaAs/AlOx Core-Shell Nanowire Ensembles Through Natural Oxidation

The formation of rolled-up cylindrical membranes stemming from the strain deformation-induced delamination of a film-like nanowires array composed of coalesced GaAs nanowires embedded in AlOx with a buried GaAs/AlAs core-shell structure is reported. The delamination of the nanowires array film is driven by natural oxidation resulting from prolongated exposure to ambient atmosphere. Investigation of the structural characteristics of the nanowires in the array reveals an analytical description of the oxidation mechanism leading to the formation of the rolled-up structures. The membrane can easily transfer by simply shaking off the surface membranes of the sample. The cylindrical membranes maintain the optical properties of the core GaAs nanowires surrounded by native oxide. The findings show the prospects for area-saving and transferable semiconductor devices with advanced nanoscale optical functions.