Electrodeposition of micropatterned Ni|Pt multilayers and segmented Ni|Pt|Ni nanowires

During electrodeposition of a more noble metal on top of a less noble one, the galvanic replacement reaction prevents the formation of pure metal layers. So when depositing Pt on top of Ni to make Ni|Pt multilayers, or when making segmented nanowires containing Ni and Pt, the galvanic replacement reaction needs to be suppressed. As is shown here, at a potential of −0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl (3 M KCl) for the deposition of Pt, no Ni was replaced and Ni|Pt (micropatterned) multilayers and Ni|Pt|Ni segmented nanowires were formed. Magnetization measurements showed the presence of two ferromagnetic phases, which can be of use for switching applications in magnetic devices.

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► Galvanic replacement of Ni by Pt was suppressed by increased overpotential.
► Stable Ni|Pt double layers were deposited using increased overpotential.
► Ni|Pt|Ni multisegmented nanowires were created.
► Ni|Pt double layer micro- and nanopatterns were also created using this approach.
► Double hysteresis loop behavior was observed for micropatterned double layers.