Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of Nanocrystalline Co-Ni Alloys: A Review

Abstract

This review article deals with the synthesis, characterization and magnetic properties of Co-Ni nanoalloys. The various physical and chemical methods for the synthesis of Co-Ni alloy nanoparticles are discussed. Co-Ni alloy nanoparticles with different size and shape such as spherical, rods, wires chain-like assembly are found to depend on the synthesis method and experimental condition. The structure of Co-Ni alloys is eitherfcc,hcpor mixedfccandhcpphase and found to depends on size, shape and concentration of Co in the Co-Ni alloys. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentration and Co to Ni ratio influence the shape of bimetallic Co-Ni nanoparticles. Pt nucleating agents produced smaller size of Co-Ni alloy particles compared to Ru and Ag. Higher Co concentration in the Co-Ni alloys also influences the size alloy particles. The magnetic properties of Co-Ni nanoalloys depend on the size, shape and composition of the binary alloys. Surface oxidation of Co-Ni alloy nanoparticles decrease the saturation magnetization and increases with Co concentration in the alloys. The shape of Co-Ni alloy nanoparticles has an influence on coercivity. The microwave absorption properties of the Co-Ni alloys found to depend on the shape, size and composition of the binary alloys. The absorbance peaks shifts to higher frequency with decrease in size of the alloy particles. Potential applications of Co-Ni alloys in various fields are highlighted.