Electric field assisted growth of copper nanowires

Keywords:
electric field, growth, nanowire

Abstract:
We demonstrate a novel technique to produce copper nanowires. Cu electrodes, deposited by electron beam evaporation are used as the source of Cu. Nanowires are grown between the region of two Cu electrodes under an electric field. Growth of these nanowires have been extensively studied under the effect of applied voltage and surrounding environment. We observed that the polarity of the electrode influences the growth direction and the density of the nanowires. The electrical characteristics of the individual nanowire are under investigation. Taken together, this new technique of Cu nanowire production is highly reproducible, catalysts free, fast, very low cost and simple process.

Nanotech 2008 Conference Program Abstract