Electrochemical Synthesis and Room Temperature Oxidation Behavior of Cu Nanowires

Highly oriented copper nanowires were electrochemically synthesized in a porous alumina membrane template using a new type of weak-acid electrolyte. The Cu nanowires that were deposited have (110) preferred orientation, which is different from most electrochemically deposited Cu nanowires, and they can grow homogeneously. Transmission electron microscopy was used to investigate the room-temperature oxidation behavior, and it was observed that sample treatment methods greatly influence the oxidation rate of the wires. Cu nanowires with different diameters have different resistance to oxidation. The orientation relationship between oxide layer and small-diameter Cu nanowire was determined to be (001) Cu₂O // (111) Cu, (110) Cu₂O // (110) Cu, and [110] Cu₂O // [112] Cu. The possible oxidation process is also discussed.