Preparation and characterization of nickel–cobalt alloy nanostructures array fabricated by electrodeposition

Abstract

A series of Ni–Co alloy nanocones arrays were fabricated by means of electrodeposition method without using any template. The alloy nanocones crystallized in the face-centered cubic lattice structure and grew preferentially along <110> directions. The aspect ratio of the alloy cones was found to increase with increasing cobalt content. The chemical potential difference of the solid–liquid interface and the synergistic effect of twinning were proposed to explain this phenomenon. By adjusting the electrodeposition conditions, the morphology and size of the alloy nanocrystal can be modulated. The crystal modifier plays an important role in controlling the step distance and the morphology of the spiral growth layer. These Ni–Co alloy nanocones arrays are expected to have significant potential applications in the fields of catalysis and magnetic storage.