Characterization of nickel nanocones routed by electrodeposition without any template

This work reports the synthesis of Ni nanocones by a one-step electrodeposition method without any template. With the addition of ethylenediamine dihydrochloride (EDA center dot 2HCl) in the nickel plating solution, the novel Ni conical structure can be easily deposited onto different metal surfaces. The as-prepared nickel nanocones grow preferentially along < 011 > directions with very sharp tips. The conical structures are single crystalline without any disruption of the lattice planes. In addition, the Ni nanocone structure is demonstrated to show magnetocrystalline anisotropy and enhance the magnetic properties when compared with other Ni nanostructures.