Nanocrystalline Films in the Ag-Ni System

Ag_x-Ni_1-x (x=0.0-1.0) films grown on Cu substrates by electrodeposition were studied. The films were found to be a nanocrystalline mixture of pure silver and nickel. The grain sizes were determined by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy techniques. The minimal value was 3.3nm for the alloy with 70wt% Ni concentration. The stability of the grown films upon heating in air was examined. An increase in the grain size was found to begin at 150°C.