Organization of Nanowires into Complex 3D Assemblies by Template Electrodeposition
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Organization of Nanowires into Complex 3D Assemblies by Template Electrodeposition Markus Rauber1,2 and Wolfgang Ensinger1 1 Department of Materials- and Geo-Sciences, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Petersenstraße 23, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany 2 Materials Research Department, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Planckstraße 1, 64291 Darmstadt, Germany
ABSTRACT To realize applications based on nanowires, the development of methods that allow the organization of nanostructures into integrated arrangements is crucial. While many different methods exist, the direct synthesis of complex nanowire structures is one of the most suitable approaches to efficiently connect numerous nanostructures to the macroscopic world. The fabrication of various 3D nanowire assemblies including arrays, networks, and hierarchical structures by combining specifically designed template materials with electrochemical deposition is demonstrated. The ion track template method is extended to create more complex structures by changing template production and electrodeposition parameters. In contrast to current synthesis routes, it is possible to independently control many of the parameters defining both (i) characteristics of individual nanowires (including dimensions and composition) and (ii) the arrangement of the nanoscale building blocks into nanowire assemblies determined by nanowire orientation and integration level. Results that highlight the benefits arising from the design of advanced 3D nanowire architectures are presented. INTRODUCTION One-dimensional (1D) nanostructures such as nanowires and –tubes have become the subject of many investigations due to their peculiar properties [1]. Based on the shape anisotropy and dimensionality, these 1D structures can show improved functional properties in comparison to (spherical) nanoparticles [2]. In addition, 1D nanoscale building blocks provide the capability of creating complex and multifunctional 2D and 3D assemblies. Very high integration densities can only be realized by 3D architectures. In particular, the direct synthesis of such complex 3D assemblies represents a promising approach to translate large quantities of nanowires to microand macroscale dimensions taking into account a desired connectivity. This organization into superstructures can be identified as crucial step that must be addressed in order to enable nanowire based applications in the field of energy harvesting, (electro-)catalysis, and sensor systems [3-5]. Because the spatial distribution of the nanoscale components and their interconnectivity strongly can influence the properties of a complex nanowire assembly, architectural design is of significant importance. Highly desired are new methods that allow precise control over (i) the characteristics of individual nanowires, defined by their dimensions and composition, and (ii) their arrangement with respect to orientation and integration level. Current synthetic routes often are limited to independently and simultaneously adjust only a few of these paramete
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