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An atom comprises protons and neutrons, which are contained inside the dense, central core called the nucleus, with electrons present around the nucleus. Taking into account the wave–particle duality of electrons and the uncertainty in position around the nucleus, quantum mechanics provides a more accurate model for the atomic structure. It describes atomic orbitals as the regions around the nucleus where electrons of discrete energy exist, characterized by four quantum numbers: n, l, ml, and...

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Electrons are negatively charged subatomic particles that are attracted to an orbit around the positively-charged nucleus of an atom. They reside in locations that are associated with energy levels called shells and are further organized into sub-shells and orbitals within each shell.
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Updated: May 31, 2026

Iron Nanowire Fabrication by Nano-Porous Anodized Aluminum and its Characterization

Iron Nanowire Fabrication by Nano-Porous Anodized Aluminum and its Characterization

Published on: October 6, 2019

Electronic and atomic shell structure in aluminium nanowires.

A I Mares¹, D F Urban, J Bürki

¹Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratorium, Universiteit Leiden, PO Box 9504, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands.

|July 7, 2011

Summary

Experiments reveal exceptionally stable aluminium nanowire structures. Two series of stable structures are governed by electronic shell effects at low conductance and atomic packing at larger contacts.

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Condensed Matter Physics
Nanotechnology

Background:

Understanding the stability of metallic nanowires is crucial for nanoscale electronics.
Previous studies on alkali and noble metals have highlighted electronic shell effects and atomic packing in nanowire formation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the structural stability of aluminium nanowires.
To identify the governing principles behind the formation of stable aluminium nanowire structures.
To compare the behavior of aluminium nanowires with other metallic systems.

Main Methods:

Experimental investigation of aluminium nanowires in ultra-high vacuum at room temperature.
Analysis of conductance histograms to identify stable structures.
Theoretical stability analysis for comparison with experimental results.

Main Results:

Observation of a periodic spectrum of exceptionally stable aluminium nanowire structures.
Identification of two distinct series of stable structures: one governed by electronic shell effects (low conductance) and another by atomic packing (larger contacts).
Discovery of a unique series of extremely stable, 'superdeformed' non-axisymmetric nanowires in aluminium, isolated in conductance histograms.

Conclusions:

Aluminium nanowire stability is influenced by both electronic shell effects and atomic packing, with a smooth crossover between regimes.
Aluminium exhibits unique stable structures ('superdeformed' nanowires) not observed in alkali or noble metals.
These findings provide insights into the fundamental properties of metallic nanowires and their potential applications.