CoPt and FePt nanowires by electrodeposition

In this study we have fabricated by electrodeposition CoPt(FePt) nanowires embedded inside an array of empty holes in anodized aluminum disks. By adjusting the current density and solution composition, one can control the composition of the film to 50:50 in order to obtain the high anisotropy CoPt and FePt face centered tetragonal (L1(0)) phases. The as-made films are magnetically soft. Magnetic hardening is developed after annealing at 700 degreesC with coercivity typically in the range of 3-6 kOe. The scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies showed that nanowire structured CoPt and FePt with near stoichiometric composition inside an array of holes which are about 25-100 nm in diameter. A preferred perpendicular anisotropy is observed in the CoPt nanowires. (C) 2002 American Institute of Physics.