Formation of stable nanowires from ferromagnetic metals using 2-butyne-1,4-diol

We mechanically fabricated Fe, Co, and Ni nanowires showing conductance quantization under electrochemical potential control. The effects of 2-butyne-1,4-diol and saccharin on the stability of the nanowires were investigated by measuring the conductance and the stretched length of the nanowires. Nanowires of these ferromagnetic metals were stabilized by adding 2-butyne-1,4-diol. In Co, a monoatomic contact was stretched 0.4 nm in length, indicating the formation of a highly stable monoatomic contact of ferromagnetic metals. The improved stability of the nanowires could originate from specific adsorption of organic molecules on the contacts. Mechanical properties of these metals were considered to explain the origin of the metal-dependent stability of the nanowires.