  We report here an atomistic study of the mechanical deformation of AuxCu(1-x)
atomic-size wires (NWs) by means of high resolution transmission electron
microscopy (HRTEM) experiments. Molecular dynamics simulations were also
carried out in order to obtain deeper insights on the dynamical properties of
stretched NWs. The mechanical properties are significantly dependent on the
chemical composition that evolves in time at the junction; some structures
exhibit a remarkable de-alloying behavior. Also, our results represent the
first experimental realization of mixed linear atomic chains (LACs) among
transition and noble metals; in particular, surface energies induce chemical
gradients on NW surfaces that can be exploited to control the relative LAC
compositions (different number of gold and copper atoms). The implications of
these results for nanocatalysis and spin transport of one-atom-thick metal
wires are addressed.

Materials Science