Synthesis and morphology analysis of electrospun copper nanowires

We report the fabrication of copper nanowires (NWs) using electrospinning technique. This processing technique was used successfully to synthesize copper NWs with various morphologies using a precursor composed of copper acetate salt and poly(vinyl) alcohol. The obtained NWs were characterized through high resolution scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy and it was found that their morphology is sensitive to the applied voltage and solution flow rate. Their diameter decreased with increasing voltage and increasing flow rate. Moreover, at higher flow rate and lower voltage, the roughness of NWs became more pronounced. In addition, further improvement in NW morphology may be obtained with appropriate heat treatment. These copper NWs with varying morphologies and microstructures have potential applications in different engineering domains such as electronics, optoelectronics, and catalysis.