Fabrication of Sequential Nanostripes by Controlled Electrodeposition

Abstract

ABSTRACTAu nanowires and sequential metal nanostripes were prepared by AC pulse electrodeposition in anodic alumina membrane (AAM). Due to the high toxicity of cyanide-based electrolytes, which commonly used for electrodeposition of noble metals, new types of Au electroplating solution has been introduced. Electroplating solutions of noble metals Au, Ag and Pt were alternately used for nanostripes fabrication. The AAM was prepared by a two-step electrochemical anodization process in oxalic acid. The pore size was controlled by varying anodizing voltage and current density. The AAM was investigated by SEM and AFM. The results show hexagonally ordered channels with a pore diameter 50 nm. The morphology and composition of nanowires and nanostripes were examined by TEM and optical microscopes, which show uniformly, ordered Au nanowires with a length about 250 nm and a diameter about 50 nm. Au-Ag-Au-Pt-Au sequential nanostripes have a length about 3.5 μm and diameter 50 nm has been successfully prepared.