An array of iron nanowires encapsulated in polyaniline nanotubules and itsmagnetic behavior

An array of iron nanowires within polyaniline nanotubules was obtained usin g a two-step template synthesis. First, an array of polyaniline nanotubules was synthesized in an alumina template, and then it was used as a "second- order template" for electrodeposition of iron within the polyaniline nanotu bules. The polyaniline envelope may protect the iron nanowires against the corrosive atmosphere. The composite nanostructure was characterized by EDX, XRD and SEM and its magnetic properties were measured by VSM. Coercive for ces of the array of iron nanowires encapsulated within polyaniline range fr om about 119 to 210 Oe with an increase from 0 to 90 degrees for theta, the angle between the applied field and the surface of the alumina template. T he array has the axis of easy magnetization in the membrane plane and may b e a promising candidate for horizontal magnetic recording materials.