Fabrication and characterization of single-crystalline Au nanowire electrodes

A nanowire electrode (NWE) was fabricated using a single-crystalline Au nanowire (NW) synthesized by vapor transport method without catalysts. Au NWEs were simply fabricated by manipulating a Au NW under an optical microscope. The successful fabrication was confirmed by electrochemical oxidation and reduction of a Au NW, from which we further observed well-defined geometry and {111}-faceted surface of Au NWEs. We also obtained a steady-state cyclic voltammogram, indicating enhanced mass transport. The potential application of Au NWEs to drug delivery into biological substances was suggested by immobilizing DNA on Au NWEs and its electrochemical release.