Abstract
Directional growth of individual nickel nanostructures guided by a nanoindentation tip was accomplished by in situ scanning electron microscopy. Agglomerates of nickel nanoparticles supported by nickel micropillars were electrically contacted with a conductive nanoindenter. Application of an electric bias led to dielectric breakdown of native surface oxide layers covering the nanoparticles and caused the formation of conductive pathways through particle agglomerates. Joule heating and mechanical retraction of the nanoindenter enabled growth of elongated nickel nanostructures through solid-state diffusion. Finite element modeling was used to estimate the amount of Joule heating and confirmed the activation of several mass transport mechanisms. The results of this study propose the ability of tip-guided growth of individual nanostructures with complex geometries and unprecedented feature sizes.Graphical abstract
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
