Electrodeposition of CoxFe3–xO4 Epitaxial Films and Superlattices

Spinel ferrites are of interest because of their potential applications in spintronics (spin-based electronics) and solid-state memories. Cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) is an inverse spinel ferrite. Currently, the utility of CoFe2O4 is mainly based on its high coercivity and magnetocrystalline anisotropy. The magnetic and electrical properties of CoFe2O4 depend on its Co:Fe ratio. In this paper, a one-step electrodeposition of CoxFe3-xO4 (0 < x < 1) thin films from an alkaline Fe3+- and Co2+-triethanolamine solution is presented. The Co:Fe ratio in the CoxFe3–xO4 thin films can be tuned by controlling the deposition potential. That is, CoxFe3–xO4 thin films with tunable chemical and physical properties can be produced from a single solution. Superlattices in the CoxFe3–xO4 system were also electrodeposited from the same solution by simply pulsing between two potentials. Compared to CoxFe3–xO4 individual films, superlattices exhibit resistance switching and a more pronounced negative differential resistance (NDR...