PNNL

Abstract

One-dimensional nanostructures, such as nanowires, of semiconductors and metals are of great technological interest due to their potential for many advanced technology applications. Utilization of these materials versus their bulk counterparts will not only allow for device miniaturisation, but also may improve device performance or create new functions. Here we report a novel method for the synthesis of crystalline Cd-nanowires without involving either templates or a “seeded” structure. Ion irradiation at low temperatures (= 295 K) has been used to induce material decomposition and phase segregation in a cadmium niobate pyrochlore (Cd2Nb2O7) wafer. During the formation and rupture of the gas-filled blisters in the material, soft metallic Cd is extruded/extracted as nanowires through pores in the exfoliated layer. The entire process may be readily controlled by changing the ion irradiation conditions (e.g., ion species, dose and energy) with minimal thermal constraints.