Microstructural effects on the magnetic and magneto-transport properties of electrodeposited Ni nanowire arrays

The magnetic and magneto-transport properties of Ni nanowire (NW) arrays, fabricated by electrodeposition in anodic-aluminum-oxide (AAO) templates, have been investigated. The AAO pores have diameters ranging from 35 to 75 nm, and the crystallinity of the Ni NW arrays could change from poly-crystalline to single-crystalline with the [111] and [110] orientations based on the electrodeposition potential. Notably, double switching magnetization loops and double-peaked magnetoresistance curves were observed in [110]-oriented NWs. The crystalline orientation of the Ni NW arrays is found to influence the corresponding magnetic and magneto-transport properties significantly. These magnetic behaviors are dominated by the competition between the magneto-crystalline and shape anisotropy.