Ferromagnetism and ferromagnetic silicon nanocomposites

Abstract

This chapter reviews first the intrinsic magnetic behavior of empty porous silicon; next the filling of the pores with ferromagnetic metals (Ni, Co, NiCo, Fe) by electrodeposition; and finally the adjustability of the magnetic properties of the nanocomposite due to the modification of the porous silicon, as well as due to a variation of the geometric characteristics of the metal deposits. The magnetic characteristics of these hybrid materials strongly depend on the pore structure of the template as well as the geometry and the spatial distribution of the embedded metal structures. Besides the shape and size of the nanostructures, a key factor is the magnetic interaction between metal structures which determines the properties of the system. The ferromagnetic behavior of the nanocomposites, which is also present at room temperature, opens the opportunity for new applications.