Self-assembly of metallic nanowires from aqueous solution

Conducting nanowires have been found to self-assemble between microelectrodes from palladium acetate solution on applying an alternating electric field of relatively high intensity and frequency. The wires grew spontaneously along the direction of the electric field and have high uniformity and conductivity. The finding challenges current metallic nanowire methodologies and could accelerate achievement of the direct assembly of nanoscale electronic structures and systems.