Electrochemical Investigation on the Formation of Cu Nanowires by Electroless Deposition

Abstract

Abstract. The growth of copper (Cu) nanowires by electroless deposition in aqueous solution at 60-80 °C was studied from an electrochemical perspective using in situ mixed potential measurements and potential-pH diagrams. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed that thick and short nanowires were obtained at high temperatures, while long and thin nanowires result from low reaction temperatures. In situ mixed potential measurements reveal that Cu(II) reduction is more favored at higher reaction temperatures, hastening the reduction reaction. The fast reaction leads to a high concentration of Cu atoms in the solution. As a result, Cu deposition occurs rapidly, such that they attached on both sides and ends of the primary Cu nanowires. This results to the formation of thick and short structures. On the other hand, thin and long nanowires are obtained due to the slow reduction reaction, which gives the Cu atoms more time to orderly attach in a wire-like formation.

Kinetics and Mechanism of Electroless Deposition of Silver From an Aqueous Bath

“…whether the reaction is under anodic or cathodic control or under mixed control. 36 An attempt has been made in this paper to explain mechanistic details of electroless silver deposition reaction by using mixed potential theory of Wagner & Traud, [48][49][50][51][52] Nernst diffusion equation, 53 and Butler -Volmer equation. 33,34 Both oxidation half cell reaction as well as reduction half cell reaction at various reaction conditions has been used for this purpose.…”