Fabrication of Sn nanostructures by template assisted pulse electrodeposition

Abstract

Pulse electrodeposition method is employed for the synthesis of Sn nanostructures using alumina template. Electrical contacts are made through metallisation of the template bottom with copper and an aluminium foil. The current density is varied from 0.05 to 0.6 A cm^− 2, and a change in nanostructure formation is noticed. The structure and morphology of nanostructures are characterised by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. It is observed that at a lower current density (0.05 A cm^− 2), nanorods (mean diameter 186 nm) are prominent. As the current density is further increased to 0.4 A cm^− 2, the nanorods increase in diameter (∼216 nm), while at a higher current density of 0.6 A cm^− 2, nanorods (mean diameter 158), nanoribbons (mean diameter 126 nm) as well as nanowires (∼44 nm) are produced. The obtained Sn nanostructures are polycrystalline in nature and can be scaled up to industrial level.