With no Color and Scent (part II): Metal and Alloy Microstructures-Handmade Replicas of Natural Objects

TL;DR

This paper explores the synthesis of natural object-like microstructures using pulsed current electroplating of various metal alloys on porous membranes, resulting in complex, self-assembled metallic nanowire structures.

Contribution

It demonstrates a novel method for creating natural object-inspired metallic microstructures with controlled shapes using pulsed electroplating on membranes.

Findings

Complex shell-like structures are formed by self-assembly of nanowires.

Shape of membrane influences the type of structures grown.

Different alloys and electroplating regimes yield diverse microstructures.

Abstract

As a continuation of work on metal and alloy "plants" synthesis on porous membranes by means of pulsed current electroplating volume metallic microstructures resembling such natural objects as shells, cabbage leaves, mushrooms are grown and presented in their modest elegance. Such structures are formed from PdNi and PdCo alloys as well as Ag, Cu and Ni in conditions defined by the shape of membrane pores and the parameters of the pulsed current. It is shown that the obtained complex structures are formed by layers of metallic nanowires as a result of their self-assembly while growing during the pulsed current electroplating process. Depending on the shape of the membrane and the regime of the pulsed current electroplating either one type of shell-like structures or various structures can be grown.