Synthesis of Vertically Aligned Gold Nanowire-Ferromagnetic Metal Matrix Composites

Abstract

We report on the synthesis of thin films composed of vertically-aligned gold nanowire arrays in ferromagnetic matrices (nickel and iron). This process involves electrodepositing the Au nanowire arrays usng commercially available anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) nanoporous membranes. After dissolving the templates, the ferromagnetic matrices are grown around the nanowires to produce the two-phase nanocomposites. A discussion of this processing technique and microstructural characterization of the thin film nanocomposites will be presented.