Synthesis and properties of the arrays of magnetic nanowires of Co and CoFe

Arrays of 18- and 78-nm-diameter pores are synthesized by electrochemical anodization of Al–1% Mg substrates. Co and Co90Fe10 are electrodeposited in the pores to obtain the nanowire arrays. The structural and magnetic properties of nanowires are investigated by X-ray diffraction, REM, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) and magnetometry methods. The arrays of 18 nm diameter show perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and textured crystallographic behaviour. Co90Fe10 arrays show enhanced coercivity Hc (⊥) and remanent magnetization Mr (⊥) compared to the Co arrays. The perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and the values of Hc (⊥) and Mr (⊥) decrease with increasing nanowire diameter. For example, Co: Hc (⊥)=1549 Oe (18 nm) and 597 Oe (78 nm), Mr (⊥)=96% (18 nm) and 18% (78 nm); Co90Fe10: Hc (⊥)=2275 Oe (18 nm) and 723 Oe (78 nm), Mr (⊥)=96% (18 nm) and 22% (78 nm). The structural and magnetic properties of the Co and Co90Fe10 nanowire arrays are compared.