Fabrication and magnetic properties of Co nanostructures in AAO membranes

Abstract

Nanoporous AAO (Anodic Aluminum Oxide) membranes have many advantages as a template for variety of magnetic materials. Materials can be embedded into the pores by electrodeposition, sputtering or magnetic-field-assisted infiltration of magnetic nanoparticles. This work focuses on the fabrication of the magnetic structures in the AAO templates by electrodeposition. Our method allows the controlled growth of Co nanostructures within the porous alumina membrane in the form of dots, rods and long wires. The shape of Co nanostructures has been investigated by field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The magnetic hysteresis loops of Co nanostructures were measured using SQUID at 5 K and 300 K. The magnetic properties of the Co nanostructures are proportional to their aspect ratios and can be controlled by changing the aspect ratios.