Specific features of the growth and stability of nanowires made of different metals

Abstract

Ensembles of metal nanowires are prepared by the template method. The influence of electrodeposition conditions on the properties of the obtained samples is studied for some metals and alloys. It is shown that the observed change in the electrodeposition rate during electrolysis can be related to a change in the electrode potential as a result of an increase in the gradient potential in the near-electrode solution region and to diffusion limitations. A number of specific features of the deposition of iron, iron–cobalt alloy, and iron–nickel alloy are revealed (in particular, the dependence of the elemental composition of the obtained wires on the electrodeposition conditions). Both the topography of the nanowires and their stability are investigated by electron microscopy. It is found that the nanowire form does not always correspond to the form of growth pores. Nanowires exhibit rather high stability in alkali solutions and low stability in acid solutions.