Alq 3 nanorod arrays by temperature-gradient-assisted eutectic melting and crystallization

The mixtures of Alq3 and naphthalene have been used for creating single-crystalline Alq3 nanorod arrays by temperature-gradient-assisted melting/crystallization method. Due to the formation of eutectic mixtures, the Alq3 and naphthalene mixtures can be melted and crystallized at low temperature (<100°C). Pure Alq3 nanorods were isolated after removing naphthalene by sublimation. XRD and SAED of Alq3 nanorods showed that they are α-phase single-crystalline Alq3. Alq3 nanorod arrays were spontaneously formed without lithographic process when the temperature gradient was applied to the samples upon cooling. All Alq3 nanorods were aligned along the direction of the temperature gradient.