End-closed NiCoFe-B nanotube arrays by electroless method

A novel approach is obtained during the fabrication of NiCoFe-B nanotube arrays via electroless method. Porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates fabricated by anodization of aluminum foil were sensitized using PdCl2 solution and immersed into electroless plating baths at room temperature to produce nanotube arrays. Compositional and morphological properties of the nanotube arrays are characterized. Results indicates the formation of end-closed nanotubes with the dimension of 100–130 nm in outside diameter, which is determined by the pore size of the AAO template, and about 15 nm in thickness of tube walls. The possible formation mechanism of end-closed metallic nanotube arrays is discussed.

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