Zinc-nanosystem-structure formation using anodic-oxidized aluminum membranes

We propose a new method for the formation of zinc nanosystems by condensation of a weakly supersaturated Zn vapor in pores of the anodic-oxidized aluminum membrane (AOA)–silicon substrate system. For this purpose, a weak Zn vapor flow is created by magnetron sputtering of Zn target in a high-purity inert gas atmosphere and maintaining a temperature of the porous AOA membrane outer surface higher than that of the substrate. This drives a directional Zn vapor flow inward membrane parallel to the pore generatrix and favors effective penetration of Zn vapor into the membrane.