Fabrication of large-scale Ag micro/nanostructures using electrochemical migration

Fabrication of Ag micro/nanostructures was studied because of their excellent chemical, electrical, and optical properties. Ag micro/nanostructures are usually produced via chemical methods, but these methods require the processing of waste liquid and multiple devices. The work proposes a fabrication method using electrochemical migration (ECM), which is a simple and environmentally friendly method because this method requires only metal electrodes, water, and a DC bias without chemical agents. A fabrication method for Ag micro/nanostructures using ECM with a large separation between the electrodes is demonstrated, and the deposition behaviour of Ag micro/nanostructures and the factors influencing the deposition are determined.