A facile and universal way to fabricate superlattice nanowire arrays

A facile and universal synthetic approach for preparing superlattice nanowire (SLNW) arrays is developed. In this method, two kinds of elements are alternately electrodeposited into the holes of the anodic alumina oxide (AAO) template, automatically in separate electrolytes by a programmed device. This method is not restricted by the relative values of the reduction potentials of the elements, and the deposition of each element can be controlled independently. Three kinds of representative SLNW arrays containing noble-metal material (Ag/Ni), thermoelectric material (Bi/Sb) and magnetic material (Ni/Cu) with adjustable segment length are fabricated successfully.