Perpendicular Co-Zn-Gd Magnetic Film Electrodeposited by Molten Chlorozincate Electrolyte

We have utilized ZnCl₂-dimethylsulfone (DMSO₂) as the electrolyte with added CoCl₂ and GdCl₃ for electrodepositing a magnetic film. Moreover, the controlled potential method was utilized for film deposition. The voltammogram revealed that the reduction of Co-Zn-Gd film can be achieved by applying a potential in the range from -0.1 to -0.5 volts. From the results of AGM analyses, a high squareness value (Mr/Ms = 0.923) of the Co-Zn-Gd film at -0.3 volt was observed. In previous research, perpendicular magnetic materials have been applied to magnetic optic (MO) media, magnetic recording heads, and perpendicular magnetic tunneling junction (pMTJ). However, preparation of magnetic materials is normally carried out in high vacuum systems. Since electrodeposition methods for preparation of magnetic films have several advantages, such as simple equipment, ease of operation and relatively large area, the use of electrodeposition has great potential for preparing films.