Structure-mechanical property of individual cobalt oxide nanowires.

We present a comprehensive approach to address the correlation between mechanical properties of nanowires (NWs) with their characteristic size, microstructure, and chemical composition. Using this technique, the Young's modulus of Co3O4 NWs with different sizes was evaluated. Thermal annealing in inert atmosphere was found to induce chemical reduction of as-grown Co3O4 NWs into CoO NWs without modifying their geometrical shape. Both Co3O4 and CoO NWs exhibited a size-dependent variation in Young's modulus.