Crystal anisotropy induced temperature dependent magnetization in cobalt nanowires electrodeposited within alumina template

• Co nanowires were electrodeposited within alumina template by DC electrodeposition.
• Temperature dependence of magnetization in Co nanowires was investigated.
• The decrease of temperature favors the easy axis in perpendicular direction.
• Strong pH dependence of cross-over temperature was observed.
• Crystal anisotropy plays the dominant role in reorientation of easy axis of magnetization.

Cobalt nanowires were deposited within nanoporous alumina template by direct current electrodeposition. The effect of pH on temperature dependent hysteresis behavior and magnetic properties of Co nanowires has been analyzed and discussed in detail. The easy axis of magnetization was observed to change uniformly from parallel to perpendicular direction to the wire axis with decrease of temperature from 400 K to 5 K. The effect could be attributed to increased magnetocrystalline anisotropy at lower temperatures (e.g. 5 K). Strong pH dependence of cross-over temperature that changes from 300 K to 50 K was observed and the change was delayed with increase of pH.