Progression of the dealloying front in bilayer Cu–Al and Cu–Zn nanoporous foams

Abstract The role of interfaces and the controlling synthesis parameters graded dealloyed nanoporous metallic materials are investigated, focusing on dealloying front progression in complex precursor with multiple alloy compositions. Specifically, effects relative density chemical potential sputtered bilayer copper films explored two case studies: Cu–Al/Cu–Al Cu–Al/Cu–Zn. Cross-sectional scanning electron (SEM) micrographs energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mapping trace across three time intervals, while top-surface cross-sectional SEM probes final foam morphology. Final ligament sizes were found to be independent (21–28 nm), due a combination fast reaction times phosphate-inhibited surface diffusion Cu atoms. gradient yielded faster times, whereas slower higher at.% top layer material produced more uniform Graphical abstract