Large-scale fabrication and magnetic properties of Ni nanowire arrays by DC electrochemical method

Well aligned Ni nanowire arrays were prepared by direct-current(DC) electrochemical deposition method,using anodic aluminum oxide(AAO) templates.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and transmission electron microscopy(TEM) studies showed Ni nanowires were electrodeposited into the pores of the AAO membranes and their diameters were uniform about 300 nm,and their surfaces were very smooth.X-ray diffraction study showed the pure phase of Ni polycrystalline with face-centered cubic(fcc) structure.Magnetic properties of the Ni nanowire arrays were determined on a physical properties measurement system(PPMS).Compared with the bulk sample,Ni nanowire arrays exhibit enhanced coercivity,larger remanence magnetization and strong magnetic anisotropy.The Curie temperature of these Ni nanowires was about 627K,indicating the ferromagnetism of Ni nanowires persists at high temperature.