Naor-Pomerantz A., Eliaz N., Gileadi E.
Tel Aviv University, IL
Keywords: core-shell, electrodeposition, nanowires, rhenium, tin
Rhenium (Re) is a refractory metal which exhibits an extraordinary combination of properties. Thus, nanowires and other nanostructures of Re-alloys may possess unique properties resulting from both Re chemistry and the nanometer scale, and become attractive for a variety of applications, such as in catalysis, photovoltaic cells, and microelectronics. Although Re nanowires and tin (Sn) nanowires were produced separately by different techniques, Re–Sn nanowires have never been produced before, neither by electrodeposition nor by any other process. The objective of this work is to produce Re-Sn nanowires and to characterize their unique core/shell structure. The Re-Sn nanowires exhibit a unique Sn core/Re shell structure. A mechanism was suggested, according to which Sn nanowires were first grown on top of Sn micro-particles, and then the Sn nanowires reduced the perrhenate chemically, thus forming a Re-shell and a Sn-core. This mechanism was supported by the electroless deposition of Re on Sn thin film. Finally, Re nanotubes can easily be produced, by melting the Sn core. Rhenium nanotubes can be very useful to a variety of applications, which exploit the unique properties of Re. However, the as-obtained nanowires may also be useful for diverse applications, due to their exclusive composition of two very different materials.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2011: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites
Published: June 13, 2011
Pages: 419 - 420
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topics: Advanced Materials for Engineering Applications, Coatings, Surfaces & Membranes
ISBN: 978-1-4398-7142-3