Magnetic properties and structure of electrodeposited Zn–Co alloys granular thin films

We present several results concerning the preparation by means of electrolysis and characterization of Zn–Co alloys thin films. Films of Zn, Co and Zn–Co with various compositions (8–16 at% Co) were prepared in sulfate baths, using potentiostatic control, envisaging applications in the domain of corrosion resistant magnetic sensors. The effects of applied voltage on the magnetic properties, microstructure and phase content of the electrodeposited Zn–Co films were investigated. The applied voltage significantly influenced the film composition and their magnetic properties. These films, when deposited at an applied voltage of 4.5 V exhibited multiphase behavior due to the inclusion of new phases (cobalt hydroxide), whereas at 3.0 V, only Zn–Co alloys were deposited. The structure and morphology of the samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM).