Nanoporous Metals by Alloy Corrosion: Formation and Mechanical Properties

• Published in: MRS bulletin 2009-08, Vol.34 (8), p.577-586
• Main Authors: Weissmüller, Jörg, Newman, Roger C., Jin, Hai-Jun, Hodge, Andrea M., Kysar, Jeffrey W.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied and Technical Physics; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Corrosion; Energy Materials; Exact sciences and technology; Failure mechanisms; Ligaments; Materials Engineering; Materials Science; Mechanical and acoustical properties of condensed matter; Mechanical properties; Mechanical properties of solids; Metals; Nanomaterials; Nanotechnology; Physics; Surface treatment; Technical Feature
• ISSN: 0883-7694; 1938-1425
• DOI: 10.1557/mrs2009.157

Nanoporous metals prepared by the corrosion of an alloy can take the form of monolithic, millimeter-sized bodies containing approximately 1015 nanoscale ligaments per cubic millimeter. The ligament size can reach down to the very limits of stability of nanoscale objects. The processes by which nanoporous metals are formed have continued to be fascinating, even though their study in relation to surface treatment, metal refinement, and failure mechanisms can be traced back to ancient times. In fact, the prospect of using alloy corrosion as a means of making nanomaterials for fundamental studies and functional applications has led to a revived interest in the process. The quite distinct mechanical properties of nanoporous metals are one of the focus points of this interest, as relevant studies probe the deformation behavior of crystals at the lower end of the size scale. Furthermore, the coupling of bulk stress and strain to the forces acting along the surface of nanoporous metals provide unique opportunities for controlling the mechanical behavior through external variables such as the electrical or chemical potentials.