Patterned procedure for template-synthesis and microstructural characterization of copper nanowires

Highly ordered circular patterns of copper nanowire arrays were successfully deposited into designed anodic aluminum oxide templates. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy was used to study the microstructure of these Cu nanostructures. The results showed that the growth orientation of the copper nanowires was along [220] direction, and the broken orientation were along [2̄02̄] and [02̄2] directions, respectively. Regular cones were formed at the broken end of nanowires. Bent nanowires were also observed, this means that the copper nanowires have good mechanical properties when applied external force. Chemical analysis has been performed on Cu nanowires using electron energy-loss spectroscopy.