Controlled synthesis and diameter-dependent optical properties of Cu nanowire arrays

Using electrochemical deposition, Cu nanowire arrays have been successfully fabricated by home-made polycarbonate ion-track templates. The diameters were well controlled by etching time of templates. The minimum diameter is 15 nm. The morphologies and structures were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The wires prefer [1 1 0] growth direction due to H ions absorption. The optical properties of Cu nanowire arrays are studied by an ultraviolet/visible/near-infrared spectrophotometer. Two extinction peaks were observed in spectra. The optical mechanism is discussed based on surface plasmon resonance.