Energetics of copper nanowires

Abstract

The present work calculates the size dependent behaviour of Fermi energy, work function, and the ionization potential of finite copper nanowire by using a free electron model. A uniform conductor of finite length and a square cross section is assumed to model the copper nanowires. The energy spectrum of the wire is determined by solving the one-electron Schrödinger equation with the potential described by a square well potential. The details of size dependence of electronic characteristics of the copper nanowires are illustrated in this present work. © World Scientific Publishing Company.