Electrochemical synthesis and magnetic properties of CoFe2O4 nanowire arrays

We report the preparation and magnetic properties of Co2FeO4 nanowires grown by electrodeposition inside the pores of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO). The synthesis requires two successive steps: the electrodeposition of fairly amorphous Fe-Co oxides or hydroxides species followed by a heat-treatment. According to X-ray diffraction and magnetic properties, a 24-h heat-treatment is necessary to obtain well-crystallized Co2FeO4 nanowires with interesting magnetic properties. The diameter of the CoFe2O4 nanowires is equivalent to the diameter size of the pores (200nm) and their length depends on the electrodeposition time used in the preparation of the precursor (here we prepared up to 30-mu m-long wires). (c) 2006 The Electrochemical Society.