Sensors from electrodeposited metal nanowires

• Published in: Surface and interface analysis Vol. 34; no. 1; pp. 409 - 412
• Main Authors: Walter, E. C., Penner, R. M., Liu, H., Ng, K. H., Zach, M. P., Favier, F.
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester, UK John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01.08.2002; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; electrodeposition; Exact sciences and technology; General equipment and techniques; hydrogen; Instruments, apparatus, components and techniques common to several branches of physics and astronomy; Materials science; Metals. Metallurgy; nanoparticle; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; nanowire; palladium; Physics; sensor; Sensors (chemical, optical, electrical, movement, gas, etc.); remote sensing; Fabrication; Chemical sensors; Electrochemical method; Transition elements; Nanowire; Electrodeposition; Palladium; Molybdenum; Nanostructured materials; Gas detector
• ISSN: 0142-2421; 1096-9918
• DOI: 10.1002/sia.1328

Based on their electronic conductivity behaviour, metallic nanowires may have analytical applications ranging from interconnects to sensors. We present in this paper an electrochemical method for synthesizing Mo and Pd metal nanowires ranging in diameter from a few tens of nanometres up to one micrometre, with millimetre lengths. Nanowires are prepared by the electrodeposition of metal at step edges present on a graphite surface. These nanowires can be used to connect metal nanoparticles (Ni, Au, etc.). Once transferred in a polymer cast, they can operate as sensors. We describe how these nanowires may be manipulated to make devices for analytical chemistry and, as an example of such nanodevice, a detailed overview of the characteristics of the first nanowire‐based sensor of hydrogen gas (H2) is given. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.