Electrochemical synthesis of compositionally modulated FexPd1−x nanowires

FexPd1−x nanowires were electrodeposited by template-directed growth from ammonium citrate baths by adjusting the current density and metal ions concentration ratio (Fe2+:Pd2+). A higher current density and ion ratio led to the synthesis of the amorphous Fe-rich FePd nanowires, whereas nanocrystalline Pd-rich FePd nanowires could be obtained by the low ion ratio and current density. To minimize the longitudinal compositional modulation in high aspect ratio pores, pulse current were applied instead of direct current. Also, based on the ability to vary the composition of FePd by adjusting average current density, compositionally modulated FePd nanowires were synthesized at fixed duty cycle.