Nucleation and growth of nanoporous copper ligaments during electrochemical dealloying of Mg-based metallic glasses

Mg90-xCuxY10 glassy precursors have been used to synthesize nanoporous copper (NPC) by electrochemical dealloying in H2SO4 aqueous solution. The formation mechanism of NPC during electrochemical dealloying of Mg90-xCuxY10 metallic glasses is mainly governed by dissolution and diffusion processes at the precursor/solution interfaces. A diffusion growth model was provided to reveal a quantitative relationship between the ligament size and the dealloying conditions. The ligament size of NPC shows a linear correlation with Cu content in the glassy precursors. Moreover, the ligaments can be significantly coarsened with prolongation of leaching time or elevation of leaching temperature. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.