Hydrogen-assisted stabilization of Ni nanowires in solution

TL;DR

This study investigates how hydrogen evolution stabilizes nickel nanowires in solution, revealing conductance features and conditions that enable room-temperature stabilization of atomic-scale Ni contacts.

Contribution

It demonstrates hydrogen-assisted stabilization of Ni nanowires in solution, a novel method for maintaining atomic-scale contacts at room temperature.

Findings

Conductance peaks at 1-1.5 G0 under specific electrochemical conditions.

Hydrogen evolution stabilizes Ni mono atomic contacts.

Room temperature stabilization of Ni nanowires achieved.

Abstract

We have studied conductance characteristics of mechanically fabricated Ni nanoconstrictions under controlling electrochemical potential and pH of the electrolyte. Conductance histogram showed clear feature peaked at 1-1.5 $G_{0}$ (=$2e^{2}/h$) when the potential of the constriction was kept at more negative potential than -900 mV vs. Ag/AgCl in pH=3.7. Comparable feature also appeared at more positive potential when lower pH solution was used. We have revealed that Ni mono atomic contact or mono atomic wire can be stabilized in solution at room temperature under the hydrogen evolution.