Realization of the welding of individual TiO2 semiconductor nano-objects using a novel 1D Au80Sn20 nanosolder

Abstract

Individual semiconductor nanowires (NWs) TiO₂ were successfully welded together using novel one-dimensional (1D) Au₈₀Sn₂₀ (mass ratio) nanosolders at the nano-scale for the first time. The nanosolders were electrodeposited into nanoporous templates to form a 1D structure, and their morphology, crystal structure, chemistry and elemental electronic states were systematically characterized. Individual Au₈₀Sn₂₀ nanowires were proved to consist of mixed crystal phases, including a Au5Sn phase with a trigonal structure, a AuSn phase with a hexagonal structure and a small SnO₂ phase produced the by oxidation of the surface portion. Chemical analysis indicated that the composition was Au₈₀Sn₂₀. The testing of the welding capability by either in situ TEM or in situ SEM by nanomanipulators and infiltration experiment revealed a good wet ability and diffusion ability between the Au₈₀Sn₂₀ nanosolder and the TiO₂ nanowire. It is believed that our study contributes to the field a special nanosolder for future nano-scale welding techniques, which also make the bonding of titanium-based semiconductor oxide nanomaterials at the nano-scale a reality.