The Synthesis of Nickel Nanowires

In this experiment nickel nanowires are grown via an electrolysis reaction inside the tiny pores of an alumina (Al2O3) filter and then the filter is removed by etching to yield magnetic nanowires. Clumps of these tiny nanowires can be seen under an optical microscope, but single wires or smaller groups of nanowires are best viewed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The three images below were captures with Lawrence's SEM by students in general chemistry laboratory in February 2005.

Students in general chemistry carried out the electrolysis reaction to form nickel nanowires. By carrying out the electrolysis for times between 10 and 50 minutes, students evaluated the length of the wires versus the time of the electrolysis. Students discovered that the wires are generated at a rate of about 1 micrometer per minute as shown by the plot of the data.

Last updated February , 2006

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