Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
Solid-state diffusion of the transition metal impurities, gold (Au), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu), in silicon (Si) nanowires was studied by in situ transmission electron microscopy. Compared to diffusion in a bulk crystal, Au diffusion is extremely slow when the amount of metal is limited but significantly enhanced when an unlimited supply is available. Cu and Ni diffusion leads to rapid silicide formation but slows considerably with physical encapsulation by a volume-restricting carbon shell.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Holmberg et al. (2011) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: