Synthesis, phase composition, and magnetic properties of iron nanowires prepared in the pores of polymer track-etched membranes

Abstract

Arrays of iron nanowires prepared by the method of galvanic filling of polymer track-etched membrane pores (matrix synthesis) under different electrolysis modes and electrolyte temperatures have been studied. The conditions of the synthesis have been analyzed. The optimal composition and electrolyte temperature have been found. The phase composition and magnetic properties of nanowires have been studied using the methods of electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, elemental energy-dispersive microanalysis, and Mossbauer spectroscopy. The average nanowire diameter is 100–200 nm. The length varies from 6 to 10 μm. The surface density is ∼108 cm−2 at the average distance to each other of about 1 μm. It has been established that the basis of nanowires is formed by the metal iron nanocomposite that manifests the magnetic properties of bulk α-Fe. It has been found that the preferred orientation of the magnetization inside the iron nanowires arises for an array prepared at a potential of −750 mV.