Nanowires of Cu–Zn and Cu–Zn–Al shape memory alloys elaborated via electrodeposition in ionic liquid

• Al, Cu–Zn and Cu–Zn–Al nanowires were elaborated by electrodeposition.
• Ionic liquids are used as the solvent.
• The obtained composition of alloys can vary over a wide range including this corresponding to the shape memory alloys.

The electrosynthesis of Cu–Zn, Al and Cu–Zn–Al nanowires from the 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquid was investigated. The anion of the metallic salts was the same as the solvent, i.e. bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide. The electrodeposition mechanism of each individual metal is complicated and shows many cathodic stages. The arrangement of these different steps in the current density–potential curves of alloys leads to unexpected composition evolution of deposits versus potential. According to the applied polarisation, a wide range of alloy compositions can be obtained.