Cyclic voltammetric deposition of nanostructured iron-group alloys in high-aspect ratios without using templates

This work demonstrates the possibility in potentiodynamic deposition of nanostructured Fe-Co-Ni deposits (including nanoparticles, nanowires, nanonetworks, and nanowalls) without the employment of templates. The formation of whiskers on the deposit surface is promoted by the employment of the anodic process in the CV deposition. The high-aspect ratio deposition of nanowires, nanonetworks, nanowalls, and nanoplates can be achieved by changing the scan rates of CV and total concentrations of precursors in the plating bath. The formation and control of these nanostructures of Fe-Co-Ni deposits are attributable to a combined effect of the tip-discharge phenomenon and the diffusion of metal ions. The crystalline information of these nanostructured Fe-Co-Ni deposits is obtained from the grazing incident X-ray diffraction patterns. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.