Hydrogen-assisted stabilization of Ni nanowires in solution

We have studied conductance characteristics of mechanically fabricated Ni nanoconstrictions under controlling electrochemical potential and pH of the electrolyte. The conductance histogram showed a clear feature peaked at 1-1.5 G(0) (G(0)=2e(2)/h) when the potential of the constriction was kept at more negative potential than -900 mV versus Ag/AgCl at pH=3.7. A comparable feature also appeared at a more positive potential when a lower pH solution was used. We have revealed that Ni monoatomic contact or monoatomic wire can be stabilized in solution at room temperature under the hydrogen evolution. (c) 2005 American Institute of Physics.