Realization of vertically aligned 1-D Ferrous nanorods using template assisted electrochemical deposition

In this work, we report on the synthesis of vertically aligned ferrous (Fe) nanorods using aluminium oxide template (AAO). Initially, a thick layer of gold was deposited on one side of the anodic aluminium oxide template to realize a good electrically conductive surface. The other side of the AAO is subjected to pore widening technique using phosphoric acid before electrochemically depositing Fe inside the pores. After deposition, the template was removed and the resulting free-standing Fe nanorods were found to have grown along the 110 plane. We controlled the dimensions of the Fe nanorods by varying parameters such as the concentration of electrolyte solution and the rate of electrodeposition. This growth technique is advantageous since there is uniformity in the sizes of nanorods and the free-standing nanorods provides an ideal platform for making Fe nanorod based memories.