Electrochemical fabrication of nanostructures

Abstract

Electrodeposition is a unique technique in which a variety of materials can be produced including metals, ceramics, and polymers. In the current chapter, the advantages of electrochemical deposition techniques in fabricating various nanomaterials with superior properties compared with conventional materials will be highlighted. The properties of various nanostructured coatings produced by electrodeposition are discussed. Some models describing nucleation and growth mechanism are presented. Finally, the importance of some nanocrystalline electrodeposits in many industrial applications as well as their potential role in the planned future technologies is emphasized. The potential of highly ordered nanomaterials for future technological applications includes the field of various nanophotonic, catalytic, microfluidic, and sensing devices, as well as functional electrodes and magnetic recording media. Another application is template-assisted electrodepositiion employing a variety of nanoporous membranes and films such as nanoporous alumina membranes used for the synthesis of high-density, ordered arrays of nanodots, nanotubes, and nanowires.