PT Journal
AU Chocholakova, E
   Bajtosova, L
   Staffenova, N
   Hanus, J
   Minarik, P
   Cieslar, M
TI Strategy for Fabricating Tree-Like Branched Al-Al₂Cu Heterogeneous Nanostructures for Future Application in Battery Anodes
SO Manufacturing Technology Journal
PY 2025
BP 589
EP 596
VL 25
IS 5
DI 10.21062/mft.2025.067
DE Al-Al₂Cu nanostructures; Magnetron sputtering; In situ TEM annealing
AB Tree-like branched Al-Al₂Cu heterogeneous nanostructures with a high surface area ratio were successfully fabricated using magnetron sputtering of Al matrix and Cu nanoparticles, followed by in situ annealing. The method enables precise control over the composition and morphology of the nanosized columnar Al₂Cu phase grown on the substrate and embedded in the Al matrix. The formation of Al₂Cu begins at the initial locations of sputtered Cu nanoparticles. Further annealing promotes their coalescence and coarsening. Orientation relationships examined in several Al₂Cu particles revealed a semi-coherency with the Al matrix. The high surface area and tunable composition highlight the potential of these nanostructures for advanced battery anodes, with tailored geometry achieved through controlled processing conditions.
ER