Synthesis of lead nanowires in a single co-sputtering deposition step

In the present work Pb NWs were grown in a single step by co-sputtering of an Al bulk target partially covered with Pb-metal pieces on its surface and without using extra catalyst. NWs have been characterized by X-ray diffraction technique and Secondary Electron Microscopy. Substrate materials, Pb concentration, and deposition time have been varied in order to establish their effects on NWs growth. In-situ single NW growth has been observed and analyzed by Secondary Electron Microscopy. The driving force that supports the growth of NWs is provided by compressive stress induced in these composite thin films during co-deposition. The present synthesis method was able to produce metal NWs over large area of the Al film with diameter ranging from 50 to 100 nm. The maximum achieved length of NWs is about 25 μm.