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Self-forming mechanisms of sub-micro-/nanotips with controlled end geometry by membrane confined electrochemical
1Institute of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315201, China.
Abstract:
A versatile method of membrane confined electrochemical turning (MECT) has been studied to process sub-micro-/nanotips with the controlled end geometry. Sub-microcylindrical and spherical tips and nanoneedle end tips could be prepared with the same apparatus. The sub-micro-/nanotip end self-forming mechanisms by the MECT process were studied. Tips with varying shaped ends could be prepared with the same setup by controlling the neck fracture mechanisms. With a DC voltage source, the tungsten rod fractures due to ductile tensile failure. A tip with a nanoneedle end and a cylindrical tip with a sub-micro-/microcylindrical end were obtained. With a pulsed voltage source, the tungsten rod fractures due to the high electric current density. A spherical end with 650 nm diameter has been obtained with the pulsed voltage source. The spherical end diameter could be controlled by regulating the voltage.
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