Template-Assisted Co-Ni Nanowire Arrays.

Vidu Vidu,Matei Matei,Predescu Predescu,Dragan Dragan,Berbecaru Berbecaru,Pantilimon Pantilimon

doi:10.3390/nano9101446

Vidu Vidu, Matei Matei + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9101446

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Abstract

A comparison was performed between Co-Ni thin films and template-assisted nanowires arrays obtained by electrochemical co-deposition. To reduce the effects of anomalous deposition and increase the Ni content in the deposit, an electrolyte with three times more Ni than Co in atomic ratio was chosen. Electrochemical deposition was performed at constant potentials chosen in the range from E = −0.8 to −1.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and charge stripping techniques were used to characterize and compare the electrochemical behavior of Co-Ni films and nanowires. Morphological and compositional characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDAX) to assess the influence of the deposition potential on the growth of film and nanowires. A comprehensive analysis of the deposit growth rates for thin films and nanowires is presented taking into consideration the hydrogen evolution and anomalous deposition. The comparative study of the composition of film and nanowires obtained at different deposition potentials has shown that deposition of nanowires with a film-like composition takes place at more positive potential than thin film.

Highlights

In search of material systems with tunable magnetic properties, Co-Ni alloys present an interesting combination of low and high magnetocrystalline anisotropy of Ni and Co, respectively
Hydrogen evolution affects the morphology of the growth surface [23]
This study presented the electrochemical co-deposition of Co and Ni, two metals that show anomalous deposition and compared the film and nanowires obtained in the potential range from −0.8 to −1.2 V

Summary

Introduction

In search of material systems with tunable magnetic properties, Co-Ni alloys present an interesting combination of low and high magnetocrystalline anisotropy of Ni and Co, respectively. Electrochemical deposition of cobalt and nickel alloys has been studied due to their known applications in the computer industry, recording devices, and magnetic memories [1,2,3,4,5]. Miniaturization has triggered additional challenges such as nanodevice integration, electrochemical templated synthesis of nanowires has provided a cost-effective solution for integration of nanowires into devices. When the Co-Ni alloy is obtained in the form of nanowires, their intrinsic high aspect ratio has a direct impact on their magnetic, electrical, and mechanical properties. Due to their magnetic properties individual nanowires or nanowire arrays are currently being studied [6,7]

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