PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Chochoľaková, Elena
AU  - Bajtošová, Lucia
AU  - Štaffenová, Nikoleta
AU  - Hanuš, Jan
AU  - Minárik, Peter
AU  - Cieslar, Miroslav
TI  - Strategy for Fabricating Tree-Like Branched Al-Al₂Cu Heterogeneous Nanostructures for Future Application in Battery Anodes
DP  - 2025 Dec 8
TA  - Manufacturing Technology Journal
PG  - 589--596
VI  - 25
IP  - 5
AID - 10.21062/mft.2025.067
IS  - 12132489
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.