Synthesis and characterization of patterned and nonpatterned copper and nickel nanowire arrays on silicon substrate

Patterned nanoporous alumina membrane is synthesized on a silicon substrate by anodization of aluminum thin film that is patterned with SiO2. SiO2 acts as an effective barrier to anodization for the different experimental conditions investigated in this study. The nanopore diameter and thickness are varied from 39 to 150 nm and 1 to 5 μm, respectively. Up to 10 μm thick nonpatterned alumina template is also synthesized directly on silicon substrate. The patterned and nonpatterned alumina membranes are used as templates for electrodeposition of copper and nickel nanowires. Linear current–voltage curves for copper and nickel nanowires show metallic behavior.