1. This article discusses a procedure for welding SiOx nanowires to macroporous carbon films using in-situ TEM.
2. It was found that the brittle SiOx nanowire could be non-thermally softened under energetic e-beam irradiation, and the flexibility and accuracy of welding could be achieved by adjusting the beam spot size, irradiation location and irradiation time.
3. The study is important for both technical controlling and fundamental understanding of energetic e-beam-induced nanowire re-shaping and nanowelding.
The article is generally reliable and trustworthy, as it provides detailed information on the process of welding SiOx nanowires to macroporous carbon films using in-situ TEM, as well as insights into the underlying mechanisms involved in this process. The article also presents evidence for its claims, such as the demonstration that the nanocurvature effect of SiOx nanowire and the ultra-fast energy deposition effect induced by energetic e-beam irradiation dominate the diffusion, evaporation and plastic flow of atoms and the resulting nanowire re-shaping and nanowelding processes. However, there are some potential biases in the article which should be noted. For example, while it does discuss possible risks associated with this process (such as thermal radiation), it does not provide any evidence or data to support these claims. Additionally, while it does present both sides of an argument (e.g., traditional knock-on mechanism vs. e-beam heating effect), it does not explore any counterarguments or alternative perspectives on these topics. Finally, there is some promotional content in the article which should be noted; for example, it emphasizes how this process can be used to create functional micro/nano devices without exploring any potential drawbacks or limitations associated with this approach.