The structure and magnetic properties of metal and alloy nanowires via aao template

Abstract

Single- and poly-crystalline metal and alloy nanowires have been successfully fabricated into anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template by electroplating. The single crystal-crystalline Ni and Co nanowires have been found at relatively high current density. Moreover, Ni and Co nanowires have a preferred orientation along the [2 2 0] and [1 0 0] direction, respectively. Single-crystal Ni nanowires showed coercivity 1 kOe with remanent 0.997, while Co nanowires showed coercivity 1.3 kOe and remanent 0.797. The different structures of NiCo nanowires have been obtained by varying the deposition conditions and current densities. The unique bamboo-like nanostructure was found in the product. Bamboo-like structure is achieved when the composition of 15 at% Co. The investigation of the mechanisms shows the special structures are related to the different diffusion rates of Ni and Co on the surface of AAO template. The work shows the possibility to control the sub-nanostructures in nanowires. © 2009 World Scientific Publishing Company.