Direction-tunable nanotwins in copper nanowires by laser-assisted electrochemical deposition

Zhikun Liu, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Yuefeng Wang, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Yiliang Liao, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Gary J. Cheng, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University

Date of this Version

3-30-2012

Citation

Nanotechnology, Volume 23, Number 12

Abstract

Nanotwins can improve mechanical strength and maintain high electrical conductivity in metallic nanowires. We demonstrated a method of pulsed-laser-assisted electrodeposition, which could form dense nanotwins with tunable directions in copper nanowires of uniform sizes. Transmission electron microscopy characterization showed with a growth potential of -0.2 V, nanotwins tend to align along the longitudinal direction of the nanowires, whereas at a larger potential of -0.8 V, nanotwins of {111}/< 112 > type perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the wire were formed. The two types of nanotwins were investigated by comparing the microstructures under different electrochemical conditions and laser irradiation energies. Two different mechanisms are proposed-annealing twins and growth twins.

Discipline(s)

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

 

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