Crystallinity and magnetic properties of electrodeposited Co nanowires in porous alumina

► Crystallinity depends on off time between pulses and electrolyte acidity. ► Electrolyte acidity optimizes magnetic properties at certain off-times. ► An unprecedented coercivity of 3200 Oe was obtained for pure Co nanowires. ► Annealing of prepared Co nanowires increased the optimum coercivity to 3500 Oe.