Ionizing radiation as a powerful tool for modification of metallic nanostructures

Abstract

This paper presents a case study of targeted modification of the structure and properties of zinc nanotubes ordered arrays by treatment with Xe⁺²² and Kr⁺¹⁷ swift heavy ions (SHI). Polyethylene terephthalate track-etched membranes (PET TeMs) with a pore density of (4 × 10 9 ) ions/cm² have been used as a template for electrochemical deposition of Zn. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive analysis have been used for a comprehensive elucidation of the dimensionality, chemical composition of the synthesized samples. Dynamics of changes in the crystallite shape and orientation of NTs before and after irradiation has been studied by X-ray diffraction. Changes in conductive properties as a result of irradiation were discussed. After Xe⁺²² ions irradiation with a fluence of (1×10¹¹) m^-2 or higher, the formation of loose areas in the structure of Zn NTs as a result of partial degradation of the crystal structure and, consequently, a decline in conductivity are observed. In case of Kr⁺¹⁷ ions, the increase in current conduction with the increase in fluence may be due to the increase in the current carriers.