Selective Metal Dealloying

We recently discovered a highly innovative approach of nanomaterial synthesis based on the strain energy minimization at the boundary of the phase transformation front. Such an approach allowed us to develop cheap and environmentally friendly synthesis of flexible alumina nanowires and nanowire-based separator membranes for safer, higher-energy, higher-power Li-ion batteries and other applications. In one example, nanowires are produced by simply pouring alcohols into a container filled with suitable aluminum alloy powder to collect bundles of nanowires in a few hours. Further efforts are taken towards the development of new chemistries of the nanowires of controlled diameter and microstructure, improvements of the mechanical characteristics of the separator membranes ,and developments of thermally stable flexible ceramic threads and fabrics.