Effect of the low magnetic field on the electrodeposition of Co{sub x}Ni{sub 100−x} alloys

Magnetic, chemical and structural properties of electrosynthesized Co{sub x}Ni{sub 100−x} have been studied. The electrodeposition has been conducted both in the presence and absence of a low magnetic field. The application of a perpendicular magnetic field during the synthesis modified slightly the morphology of the alloys. These changes depend more on the film composition than on the applied field, as demonstrated by AFM images. In the absence of magnetic field, the Co{sub x}Ni{sub 100−x} film grows along the (200) direction. However, when the magnetic field was applied, a preferential orientation along the (111) direction was observed. No important magnetic changes are induced by the presence of the magnetic field during the growth. Based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) experiments, the chemical composition of the films was preserved during preparation regardless of whether or not magnetic field is applied. There has been observed an increase in deposition rate in the presence of field even at these low magnetic fields. - Highlights: • CoNi alloys were electrosynthesized in the absence and presence of a low magnetic field. • Application of a magnetic field produced an orientation in the (111) plane of the alloy. • An externalmore » field changes the voltammetric curves reducing the energy required for the alloy formation. • The composition and magnetic properties were constant in the absence and presence of magnetic field.« less