Growth of Mn-Co-Ni-O nanowires by pulsed laser deposition

•A novel approach to grow Mn-Co-Ni-O nanowire on Si (111) substrate with Au as catalyst by pulsed laser deposition.•The substrate temperature and oxygen partial pressure can affect the formation of Mn-Co-Ni-O nanowires.•The nanowire is the result of the combined action of Vapor-Solid and Vapor-Liquid-Solid growth mechanisms.