Mathematical models to investigatie electrochemical growth mechanism of gold nanowires

Iranian materials engineering researchers from Sharif University of Technology investigated electrochemical growth mechanism of gold nanowires and nanotubes by matching the recorded current response during the reduction of ionic parts of gold (during the electrochemical growth of nanowires/nanotube) and corresponding response with cylindrical ultramicro electrodes arrays. In this research, the electrochemical growth of gold nanowires/nanotubes was modeled. During the research, the mechanism of electrochemical growth of gold nanowires and nanotubes was investigated by using mathematical methods related to cylindrical ultramicro electrode arrays by matching the recorded current response during the reduction of ionic parts of gold (during the electrochemical growth of nanowires/nanotube) and corresponding response with cylindrical ultramicro electrodes arrays. An experimental model was obtained with an error of approximately 2.85% for the diffusion of gold ion complexes into the solution during the growth of gold nanowires. The research was carried out in a few steps. Firstly, gold nanowires and nanotubes were synthesized through electrochemical deposition method, and the recorded data during the formation of nanostructures were studied. Then, the electrochemical reduction of gold nanowires was analyzed by using the response of cylindrical ultramicro electrode arrays. Next, an experimental model with an error of approximately 2.85% was obtained for the first time for the diffusion of gold ion complexes into the solution during the growth of gold nanowires. Finally, the performance and response of the obtained nanostructures were investigated. Results of the research have been published in details in Journal of the Electrochemical Society, vol. 160, issue 6, 2013, pp. 279-288.