Preparation of Fe-doped ZrO2 nanotube arrays by anodization of Zr-Fe alloy and their magnetic properties

Zr-Fe (Fe: 16.95 wt%) alloy was prepared through the vacuum melting method. Fe-doped ZrO2 nanotube arrays have been achieved directly by anodizing the Zr-Fe alloy. Morphologies and structures of the samples were characterized by a scanning electron microscope, a transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. The effects of electrolyte and temperature on the morphologies were studied. Magnetic properties of the samples were studied as well. Results show that the as-prepared sample was amorphous. Pure monoclinic phase was obtained when annealed at 400 °C, monoclinic and tetragonal phase coexisted at 500 °C and 600 °C. Higher value of coercivity (627 Oe) was achieved when annealed at 500 °C.