Hexagonally Ordered Ni Nanocone Array; Controlling the Aspect Ratio

Abstract

Hexagonally ordered Ni nanocones and films possessing a cone geometry were produced using anodization and metal plating techniques. The conical porous anodic alumina (PAA) film was produced using a process of repeated applications of anodization and pore-widening steps, applying the two steps alternately. The structures on the PAA films were a hexagonally ordered array with an interval of 100 nm. An intended height of 100–500 nm of the conical pores were produced by tuning the fabrication conditions of the PAA film. The Ni nanocones were produced by electroless deposition onto the conical PAA film. The Ni films with a nanocone topography were produced by detaching the deposited layer. These nanostructures were produced using wet-process techniques of anodization, electroless and electrochemical deposition.