Large-scale synthesis of hydrophobic SiC/C nanocables with enhanced electrical properties

Inhibiting the easy oxidation nature of SiC nanostructure surface is a challenge for its application in nanodevices. Here, we have demonstrated the fabrication of C-sheathed SiC nanocables via a designed chemical vapour deposition method, in which the use of a steel-hoop-like sample support favours the growth of SiC/C nanocables with surface modification of C coatings. The obtained SiC/C nanocables are systematically characterized by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The electrical property measurements suggest that the surface modification of SiC nanostructures by C coatings can not only modulate the SiC surface property from hydrophilic to hydrophobic, but also significantly enhance their electrical properties.