Magneto-electrodeposition of granular Co–Cu nanowire arrays

Abstract

Cobalt-copper (Co–Cu) granular nanowire arrays were electrochemically prepared into Anodic Alumina Oxide (AAO) membranes. We demonstrate that the application of a magnetic field B (MF B) during the synthesis of nanowires leads to control their chemical and physical properties. XRD studies have shown polycrystalline nanowires. Their morphology and chemical composition were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDXS). The results showed that the nanowire diameters vary between 200 and 240 nm. In addition, the magnetic field changes the elemental percentage of cobalt and copper into the membrane pores. The AFM images show that the magneto-electrodeposited sample have a higher surface roughness. SQUID studies indicate that the nanowires electrodeposited under MF B have a coercive field of 800 Oe and a squareness ratio of 0.31.