Microstructure and interdiffusion of template-synthesized Au/Sn/Au junction nanowires

Microstructure and interdiffusion of striped Au/Sn/Au nanowires grown by sequential electrodeposition of Au and Sn in porous polycarbonate membranes were investigated by X-ray diffraction, HRTEM, STEM, EDS, and electrical transport measurements. The Au/Sn junctions were found to contain two intermetallic phases: AuSn, and AuSn4. Mechanisms for the formation of these intermetallic phases and the effect of these phases on the superconductivity of striped nanowires were discussed.