The Use of Polyethyleneimine to Control the Growth-Front Morphology of Electrochemically Deposited Gold Nanowires for Engineered Nanogap Electrodes

Manuel DaSilva, Purdue University
Matthew Schneider, Purdue University - Main Campus
Daniel Wood, Purdue University - Main Campus
Bong-Joong Kim, Purdue University - Main Campus
E A. Stach, Birck Nanotechnology Center and School of Materials Engineering, Purdue University
Tim Sands, Purdue University

Abstract

Polyethyleneimine (PEI) is utilized in an electrolytic bath for the planarization of electrodeposited nanowire growth fronts in porous anodic alumina templates. The addition of highly branched, low-molecular-weight PEI to the plating bath also provides improved uniformity in the distribution of nanowire growth rates from pore to pore and allows for a more precise control over the electrochemical growth process.

Discipline(s)

Engineering | Nanoscience and Nanotechnology