Arrays of iso-oriented gold nanobelts

For the first time single crystalline gold nanobelt arrays with identical crystallographic orientation were obtained. A combined method consisting of directional solid-state transformation of a Fe-Au eutectoid and a well controlled electrochemical treatment enables production of arrays of nanobelts with a desired length. They have an average thickness of 25 nm and width of 200-250 nm, respectively. The obtained gold nanobelt arrays were characterized by electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), X-ray diffraction, and XPS. The underlying mechanisms and the potential of this method for the production of nanosensors are discussed.