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ELSEVIER Physica B 239 (1997)35-40 Preparation and characterization of electrodeposited metallic multilayers Y. Hayashi*, S. Kashiwabara, Y. Jyoko Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, Hakozaki, Fukuoka, 812 Japan Abstract Multilayered films of Co/Pt were prepared by alternating electrodeposition of Co and Pt using two electrolytic baths. The structure of the electrodeposited multilayers was analyzed by reflection electron microscopy (REM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The magnetic anisotropy of the films was examined by changing the thickness of Co layers. Though the perpendicular magnetization characteristics are not good enough, electrodeposition may be feasible for multilayer deposition. Keywords: Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy; Electrodeposition; Co/Pt multilayers; Overpotential 1. Introduction Metallic multilayers have attracted various inter- est, and extensive studies have been done for their preparation and characterization [1]. Among others, magnetic properties of metallic multilayers have been extensively studied [2, 3]. Most of the multilayered films were prepared by physical vapor deposition, but electrodeposition has also possi- bility to produce nanoscopically controlled multi- layers [4-5]. Though the temperature is limited in a narrow region, there are various ways of choosing electrolytic bath composition and deposition poten- tial in the electrodeposition technique. Preparation of metallic multilayers by electrodeposition is interesting also from the viewpoint of controlled crystal growth by electrolysis. Multilayers of Co/Pt are interesting for their application to the recording media using magnetiz- ation perpendicular to the film surface [6, 7]. In this study, Co/Pt multilayers were prepared by *Corresponding author. dual-bath electrodeposition, and their structure and magnetic properties were analyzed. 2. Experimental Layers of Co and Pt were deposited from each electrolytic bath on a Cu substrate. Electrolytes, 0.5 kmol/m 3 H2SO4 containing 0.1 kmol/m 3 COSO4 or 1 × 10 -3 kmol/m 3 H2PtC16, were pre- pared for Co or Pt deposition. The layers of Pt were deposited at constant electrode potential, -0.65V versus saturated Ag/AgC1 electrode, and Co layers were deposited at two different electrode potentials, -0.85 V (low overpotential) and -0.15 V (high overpotential). The deposition rate of Pt was 0.3 nm/s, and for Co 0.02 and 0.2 nm/s at low and high overpotentials, respectively. For the REM ob- servations the substrate was (111) plane of a Pt sphere. Specimens for the cross-section TEM ob- servations were sliced from layered films with an ultramicrotome. Magnetic properties were meas- ured with a vibrating-sample magnetometer. The effective perpendicular magnetic anisotropy energy 0921-4526/97/$17.00 © 1997ElsevierScienceB.V.All rights reserved PII S0921-4526(97)00372-4

Preparation and characterization of electrodeposited metallic multilayers

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Page 1: Preparation and characterization of electrodeposited metallic multilayers

ELSEVIER Physica B 239 (1997) 35-40

Preparation and characterization of electrodeposited metallic multilayers

Y. H a y a s h i * , S. K a s h i w a b a r a , Y. J y o k o

Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University, Hakozaki, Fukuoka, 812 Japan

Abstract

Multilayered films of Co/Pt were prepared by alternating electrodeposition of Co and Pt using two electrolytic baths. The structure of the electrodeposited multilayers was analyzed by reflection electron microscopy (REM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The magnetic anisotropy of the films was examined by changing the thickness of Co layers. Though the perpendicular magnetization characteristics are not good enough, electrodeposition may be feasible for multilayer deposition.

Keywords: Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy; Electrodeposition; Co/Pt multilayers; Overpotential

1. Introduction

Metallic multilayers have attracted various inter- est, and extensive studies have been done for their preparation and characterization [1]. Among others, magnetic properties of metallic multilayers have been extensively studied [2, 3]. Most of the multilayered films were prepared by physical vapor deposition, but electrodeposition has also possi- bility to produce nanoscopically controlled multi- layers [4-5]. Though the temperature is limited in a narrow region, there are various ways of choosing electrolytic bath composition and deposition poten- tial in the electrodeposition technique. Preparation of metallic multilayers by electrodeposition is interesting also from the viewpoint of controlled crystal growth by electrolysis.

Multilayers of Co/Pt are interesting for their application to the recording media using magnetiz- ation perpendicular to the film surface [6, 7]. In this study, Co/Pt multilayers were prepared by

* Corresponding author.

dual-bath electrodeposition, and their structure and magnetic properties were analyzed.

2. Experimental

Layers of Co and Pt were deposited from each electrolytic bath on a Cu substrate. Electrolytes, 0.5 kmol/m 3 H2SO4 containing 0.1 kmol/m 3 COSO4 or 1 × 10 -3 kmol/m 3 H2PtC16, were pre- pared for Co or Pt deposition. The layers of Pt were deposited at constant electrode potential, -0.65V versus saturated Ag/AgC1 electrode, and Co layers were deposited at two different electrode potentials, -0.85 V (low overpotential) and -0.15 V (high

overpotential). The deposition rate of Pt was 0.3 nm/s, and for Co 0.02 and 0.2 nm/s at low and high overpotentials, respectively. For the REM ob- servations the substrate was (111) plane of a Pt sphere. Specimens for the cross-section TEM ob- servations were sliced from layered films with an ultramicrotome. Magnetic properties were meas- ured with a vibrating-sample magnetometer. The effective perpendicular magnetic anisotropy energy

0921-4526/97/$17.00 © 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved PII S0921-4526(97)00372-4

Page 2: Preparation and characterization of electrodeposited metallic multilayers

36 Y. Hayashi et al. / Physica

was calculated from the magnetization curves mea- sured with applied field perpendicular and parallel to the film surface. The thickness of the layers was estimated by the electrical charge passed during deposition, and examined by low angle peak of XRD, saturation magnetization and cross-section observation.

3. Results and discussion

3.1. Deposi ts and structure

The early stage of deposition was observed by REM. Surfaces of 5 monolayers Co deposited on

B 239 (1997) 35-40

Pt ( l l l ) at different overpotentials are shown in Fig. 1. The deposits show simultaneous nucleation layered growth. Thin Co grows pseudomorphic to the substrate surface. Then 14 monolayers of Pt were deposited on the surfaces shown in Fig. 1, and observed again by REM which are shown in Fig. 2. The deposited Pt show rather irregular forms and no clear terraces were observed. Platinum may deposit as small particles, and the appearance changes with the substrate Co deposits.

Layered films were prepared with various de- signed periods, and the cross-section was observed. Fig. 3 shows the examples of the films with rather thick layers sequence. Dark part is Pt and light part is Co. Platinum deposits in fine particles and Co

Fig. 1. Typical REM-RHEED pictures obtained from Pt(lll) surfaces covered with 5.0 monolayer Co electrodeposited under (a) a relatively low overpotential and (b) a very high overpotential.

Page 3: Preparation and characterization of electrodeposited metallic multilayers

Y. Hayashi et al. / Physica B 239 (1997) 35-40 37

Fig. 2. REM-RHEEDpictures ofPt (14monolayers)/Co (5.0 monolayers)/Pt(lll)sandwich specimens. Pt wereelectrodeposited on the same surfaces and at the same conditions shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3. Cross-sectional TEM image of electrodeposited (a) [Co (40 nm)/Pt (40 nm)] multilayer and (b) [Co (2 nm)/Pt (8 nm)] multi- layer.

Page 4: Preparation and characterization of electrodeposited metallic multilayers

38 Y. Hayashi et al. / Physica B 239 (1997) 35-40

[Co(2nm)/Pt(4nm)]6o

Low overpotential ' " I . . . . I " " " '

i i i ~ , , , , * , , , 5* 1 0 1

2e

15"40" 45* 50* 55* 60 °

(Co-Kor) 2e (Co-Kcr)

High overpotential

I

5" 10" 15"40" 45" 5 0 ° 5 5 ° 60"

20 (Co-Ka) 2e (Co-Ka)

Fig. 4. Typical X-ray diffraction profiles of [Co (2 nm)/Pt (4 nm)] multilayers electrodeposited Co layer at (a) a relatively high overpotential and (b) a very high overpotential.

shows grown grains. Though the interface was not regular, modulated structure was observed even in a film with thin-layers sequence.

Low- and high-angle X-ray diffraction profiles for [Co (2 nm)/Pt (4 nm)]6o films are shown in Fig. 4. Periodic modulation could be observed though the peaks were broad and higher-order peaks were not distinguished. The layered films were FCC structure and showed no preferred ori- entation. The X-ray diffraction showed no signifi-

cant difference in films prepared with different de- position potentials.

3.2. Magnetic properties

Magnetization curves were measured applying magnetic field parallel and perpendicular to the film surface for specimens prepared with various layer designs. Examples of the M-H curves are

Page 5: Preparation and characterization of electrodeposited metallic multilayers

Y. Hayashi et al. / Physica B 239 (1997) 35-40 39

=.

e~

Co -0.85V(O.3nm)/Pt -0.65V(1.0nm)

I I

-5 -2.5 0 2.5

Applied magnetic field, H/kOe

2.0

1.5

1.0

~'E 0.5

0.0 ~ -0.5

-1.0

-1.5

-2.0 0.0

'~ . ~ M B E C o ( t o o n m ) / P t ( l . 0 n m ) o n P t Buffer ~ , ~ . C . J . L i n etal , l m a g n m a g n m a t . 9 3 ( 1 9 9 [ }

©Co = -0.85v ~ i

J i t i , ~ , i i i i i i i i , , , h ,

0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 t co/nm

Co -1.SV(O.2nm)lPt -0.65V(1.0nm) *~

e~

L

d

J ! !

-5 -2.5 0 2.5

Applied magnetic field, H/kOe

Fig. 5. Typical M-H curves of Co/Pt multilayers elec- trodeposited Co layer at (a) a relatively high overpotential and (b) a very high overpotential.

shown in Fig. 5. A film prepared at low overpoten- tial for Co deposition showed a tendency of perpen- dicular magnetization. The effective magnetic anisotropy energy was calculated from the area of perpendicular and parallel M - H curves. The rela- tion between the effective perpendicular anisotropy energy per unit volume of Co layer (Keff) and the thickness of Co layer (tco) is shown in Fig. 6. The plot of t coKef f v e r s u s tco shows a straight line. This relation can be expressed as [8]

tcoKeff = Ks + Kvtco ,

where Ks is the surface anisotropy energy per unit area of the interface and Kv is the effective bulk

Fig. 6. Effective anisotropy energy tcoKeff, versus Co layer thickness tco for electrodeposited Co/Pt multilayers. Co layers electrodeposited under (O) a relatively low overpotential and (71) a very high overpotential,

anisotropy energy per unit volume of Co layer. For comparison, the result obtained for the specimen prepared by MBE [9] is shown by a dashed line in the figure. Georgescu et al. [10] showed better perpendicular anisotropy with their electro- deposited multilayers than the films presented here, but the dependence on the Co thickness is different. The parameters Ks and Kv obtained here are differ- ent from those of MBE film.

Irregularity of the interface may be the reason for the low value of Ks. Difference in elastic deforma- tion of Co crystals near the interface may cause difference in the value of Kv. Some different ways of controlling the interface will be necessary to obtain a good perpendicular anisotoropic films by electro- deposition.

4. Conclusion

Films of Co/Pt multilayers were prepared by electrodeposition using separate electrolytic baths for Co and Pt. Difference in deposition potential has an effect on the magnetic anisotropy of the Co/Pt layered films. Further effort is still needed for the control of geometry and crystalline coherence

Page 6: Preparation and characterization of electrodeposited metallic multilayers

40 Y. Hayashi et al. / Physica B 239 (1997) 35-40

of the interface to prepare perpendicular magnetiz- ation films by electrodeposition.

References

[1] For a recent review see, J.A.C. Bland, B. Heinrich (Eds.), Ultrathin Magnetic Structure, Springer, 1994, Berlin.

[2] H. Takahashi, S. Tunashima, S. Iwata, S. Uchiyama, J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 126 (1993) 282.

[3] G.H.O. Daalderop, P.J. Kelly, M.F.H. Schuurmans, Phys. Rev. B 42 (1992) 7270.

[4] Y. Jyoko, S. Kashiwabara, Y. Hayashi, Mater. Trans. JIM. 34 (1993) 946.

[5] S. Kashiwabara Y. Jyoko, Y. Hayashi, Mater. Trans. JIM., 37 (1996) 289.

[6] P.F. Carcia, A.P. Meinhaldd, A. Suna, Appl. Phys. Lett. 43 (1985) 178.

[7] P.F. Carcia, J. Appl. Phys. 63 (1988) 5066. [8] F.J.A. den Broeder, W. Hoving, P.J.H. Bloemen, J. Magn.

Magn. Mater. 93 (1991) 562. [9] C.J. Lin, G.I. Gorman, C.H. Lee, R.C. Farrow, E.E. Mari-

nero, H.V. Do, H. Notarys, J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 93 (1991) 194.

[-10] V. Georgescu, V. Mazur, O. Cheloglu, J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 156 (1996) 27.