Work

Electrochemical Lensing for High Resolution Nanostructure Synthesis in Liquids

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The advancement of liquid phase electron/ion beam induced deposition has enabled an effective direct-write approach for functional nanostructure synthesis with the possibility of three-dimensional control of morphology. For formation of a metallic solid phase, the process employs ambient temperature, beam-guided, electrochemical reduction of precursor cations, resulting in rapid formation of structures, but with challenges for retention of resolution achievable via slower electron beam approaches. The possibility of spatial control of redox pathways via the use of water-ammonia solvents has opened avenues for improved nanostructure resolution without sacrificing the growth rate. In particular, ammonia enables "electrochemical lensing" in which a tightly confined and highly reducing environment is created locally to enable high resolution, rapid beam-directed nanostructure growth. We demonstrate this unique approach to high resolution synthesis through a combination of analysis and experiment.

Source: ACS Applied Nano Materials

DOI: 10.1021/acsanm.4c02295

Authors: Auwais Ahmed, Peter A. Kottke, Andrei G. Fedorov

Institution: Georgia Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Nanofabrication and Lithography Techniques

Subfield: Surfaces, Coatings and Films

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funders: U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences