Epitaxial AUCN Nanosprings on Carbon Nanotubes Reduced to AU via Electron-Beam-Induced Radiolysis

We present a two-step strategy for fabricating helical gold (Au) nanostructures by combining epitaxial self-assembly and electron-beam-induced radiolysis. Gold(I) cyanide (AuCN) nanowires were grown on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), aligning according to the chirality of the CNT lattice. Under transmission electron microscopy (TEM) irradiation, the nanowires were selectively reduced to metallic Au while retaining their original helical morphology. Our analysis reveals that the curvature of the CNT surface plays a critical role in determining the growth morphology of the nanowires, enabling the formation of nanospring structures. This method offers a route to controlled synthesis of metallic helices for potential use in nanoscale sensing and photonic applications.