Electroless Deposited Nanostructured NiCo Films

Abstract

Nanostructured metal films and coatings with unique properties can be synthesized using solution chemistry. In this paper, the non-aqueous electroless polyol synthesis, characterization and properties of NiCo films are discussed. IntroductionNanostructured films and coatings with unique properties can be fabricated by many methods. Physical vapor techniques, such as thermal evaporation and sputtering, are generally line-of-sight processes suited for deposition on planar surfaces. The limitation in these processes is caused by the high sticking coefficients of atoms that cannot readily move around after impacting the surface. On the other hand, chemical vapor deposition and solution chemistry methods are generally free from such limitation, since the atoms have smaller sticking coefficients and higher mobility at the surface. Thus, these techniques are suitable for depositing films on not only planar but also hidden and complex surfaces. Further, high-cost vacuum technology is not needed in wet chemistry processing.Using solution approach, nanostructured ceramic films can be prepared by solgel method, and metal films can be synthesized using electrodeposition and electroless deposition.Electrochemical technology finds many applications ranging from traditional surface finishing to high-tech fabrication of advanced materials for microelectronics and media storage [1]. AQUEOUS ELECTRODEPOSITIONIn electrodeposition [2], metal precursors in the solution are reduced by the application of an electric current, resulting in deposition of the metal film on the conductive substrate. Aqueous electrolytes are extensively used because water is a

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