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Published on: December 21, 2015
The size effect on solidification in eutectic bismuth-tin (Bi-Sn) nanowires by in-situ annealing processes
Shih-Hsun Chen1, Chiu-Yen Wang, Lih-Juann Chen
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30050, Taiwan.
Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
|December 9, 2010
Summary
Investigating bismuth-tin (Bi-43Sn) nanowires reveals size-dependent solidification and formation mechanisms during annealing. Smaller nanowires exhibit unique microstructural and compositional changes due to confined liquid convection.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Solidification Science
Background:
- Segmented eutectic nanowires are crucial in various applications.
- Understanding their formation mechanism is key to controlling properties.
- Size effects in nanomaterials significantly influence their behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate size effects on the solidification and formation mechanism of segmented eutectic Bismuth-Tin (Bi-43Sn) nanowires.
- To analyze the impact of in situ annealing on nanowire microstructure and composition.
- To elucidate the role of directional solidification and cooling in crystal formation.
Main Methods:
- In situ annealing of Bi-43Sn nanowires.
- Directional solidification techniques.
- Microstructural and compositional analysis using electron microscopy and spectroscopy.
- Vacuum hydraulic pressure injection process.
Main Results:
- Directional solidification along the wire axis promotes axial arrangement of segmented eutectic nanowires.
- Confinement of liquid convection in 70 nm nanowires leads to distinct microstructural and compositional profiles compared to 200 nm nanowires.
- Directional cooling during vacuum hydraulic pressure injection favors single crystal formation, while isotropic solidification results in polycrystalline microstructures.
Conclusions:
- Nanowire size critically influences solidification pathways and microstructure.
- Confined convection in smaller nanowires alters their properties.
- Controlled solidification processes are essential for tailoring crystal structures in nanowires.
