A novel fabrication method of magnetic Co/Ni0.4Zn0.6Fe2O4 coaxial nanocables.

A highly ordered Co/Ni0.4Zn0.6Fe2O4 coaxial nanocable array has been synthesized based on porous anodized aluminum oxide template via a new approach, which combines an improved sol-gel template method and alternating current electrochemical deposition. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images show the nanocables are uniform with outer diameter of about 50 nm and inner diameter of about 17 nm. X-ray diffraction patterns and energy dispersive spectrometer confirm that Co nanowires are successfully deposited into the pores of the Ni0.4Zn0.6Fe2O4 nanotubes. Normalized magnetic hysteresis loops demonstrate the coercive force and the squareness with the applied field parallel to the axis of the nanocables increase dramatically compared with that of the nanotubes.