Electrodeposition of micropatterned Ni/Pt multilayers and segmented Ni/Pt/Ni nanowires

During electrodeposition of a more noble metal on top of a less noble one, the galvanic replacement reaction prevents the formation of pure metal layers. So when depositing Pt on top of Ni to make Ni|Pt multilayers, or when making segmented nanowires containing Ni and Pt, the galvanic replacement reaction needs to be suppressed. As is shown here, at a potential of −0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl (3 M KCl) for the deposition of Pt, no Ni was replaced and Ni|Pt (micropatterned) multilayers and Ni|Pt|Ni segmented nanowires were formed. Magnetization measurements showed the presence of two ferromagnetic phases, which can be of use for switching applications in magnetic devices