In-situ deposition of Co nanoparticles in discharged TiO2 nanotube array with enhanced magnetic property

Titanium oxide (TiO2) nanotube array is prepared by an anodization method, and the TiO2 nanotube array and a lithium foil are used as working and counter electrodes, respectively, to assemble a lithium-ion battery. After discharge to 0.01 V, the TiO2 nanotube array is reducible. Metallic Co nanoparticles are in-situ deposited into the discharged TiO2 nanotube array in saturated cobalt acetate in N-N dimethylformamide solution for the first time. The sample exhibits enhanced magnetic properties after calcination at 500 degrees C in a reducing agent. The morphology, structure and magnetic properties of the samples are characterized and analyzed in detail. This work provides a new method for the synthesis of one-dimensional functional materials by using TiO2 nanotube array template.