Magnetic field strength controlled liquid phase syntheses of ferromagnetic metal nanowire

The effect of the external magnetic field strength on the morphology of metal nickel (Ni) nanowires synthesized via electroless deposition is investigated. Under strong magnetic fields, Ni nanoparticles, precursors of Ni nanowires, easily align along the magnetic field to form straight nanowires with smooth surfaces. In contrast, under weak magnetic fields, branched Ni nanowires with rough surfaces are formed. By leveraging this magnetic effect on the morphology of Ni nanowires, simply changing the external magnetic field can synthesize various types of Ni nanowire nonwovens. Furthermore, different forms of Ni nanowires were grown on the sheet by the similar electroless deposition reaction on a non-magnetic copper metal sheet. The macroscopic morphology of this composite is closely correlated with the microstructures of Ni nanowires.