Structural analysis and angle-dependent magnetic properties of Y-branched Ni nanowires

The Y-branched Ni nanowires were fabricated inside the as-synthesized nanochannels of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template by the electrochemical deposition method. Investigation results demonstrated that the stem and the two branches of the branched Ni nanowires were different in structural characteristics. A corresponding growth process was proposed to describe the formation of Y-branched Ni nanowires. The tailored angle-dependent magnetic properties were also measured and discussed. The special branched structure accompanied by its magnetic properties may endow the product presented here with some potential applications in future electromagnetic nanodevices.