Tunable ferromagnetism of nickel silicide in kinked silicon nanowires
Journal
Scripta Materialia
Journal Volume
272
Start Page
117071
ISSN
13596462
Date Issued
2026-02-01
Author(s)
Abstract
This study harnesses the versatile adaptability of silicon nanowires (Si NWs) to create kink structures by tuning growth pressures and subsequently forming a nickel silicide within the Si NWs via nickel (Ni) atom evaporation and annealing. The transmission electron microscopic (TEM) examination substantiates the presence of Si(111) on both flanks of the Si NWs, showcasing robust structural stability. Intriguingly, the annealing process prompts a transition from Si(111) to NiSi2(111) crystalline orientations, marking a pivotal structural transformation. Our investigation uncovers an interplay between NW morphologies and their ferromagnetic properties. Specifically, single-kinked nanowires exhibit enhanced ferromagnetism, whereas an increase in the number of kinks conversely diminishes their ferromagnetism. A remarkable revelation emerges when we consider the proportion of kinked nanowires within the overall sample. This variable proportion yields disparate ferromagnetic responses. Remarkably, this phenomenon demonstrates that even a simple kink structure holds the key to pioneering the manipulation of ferromagnetic properties within ferromagnetic materials.
Subjects
Ferromagnetism
Growth pressure modulation
Kink structure
Nickel silicide
Silicon nanowires
Publisher
Acta Materialia Inc
Type
journal article