Highly efficient direct electrodeposition of Co-Cu alloy nanotubes in an anodic alumina template

A highly efficient direct electrodeposition method was used to prepare Co-Cu alloy nanotubes in an anodic alumina template without modification. The morphology and structure of as-prepared Co-Cu nanotubes were examined by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The formation mechanism of the tubular nanostructure is discussed. It was found that the template directed electrodeposition of Co-Cu at a large current density can result in the highly efficient growth of nanotubes and that the growth rate as well as the wall thickness of the nanotubes can be controlled via the current density of electrodeposition. Magnetic measurements of the Co-Cu nanotube array show that the nanotubes are ferromagnetic at room temperature and may find potential applications in the fields of biological separation and drug delivery.