Abstract:
Inorganic-based nanoelements such as nanoparticles (nanodots), nanopillars and nanowires,
which have at least one dimension of 100 nm or less, have been extensively developed for biomedical
applications. Furthermore, their properties can be varied by controlling such parameters as
element shape, size, surface functionalization, and mutual interactions. In this study, Ni-alumina
nanocomposite material was synthesized by the dc-Ni electrodeposition into a porous anodic
alumina template (PAAT). The structural, morphological, and corrosion properties were studied
using x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM),
and electrochemical techniques (linear sweep voltammetry). Template technology was used to
obtain Ni nanopillars (NiNPs) in the PAAT nanocomposite. Low corrosion current densities (order
of 0.5 µA/cm2
) were indicators of this nanocomposite adequate corrosion resistance in artificial
physiological solution (0.9% NaCl). A porous anodic alumina template is barely exposed to corrosion
and performs protective functions in the composite. The results may be useful for the development of
new nanocomposite materials technologies for a variety of biomedical applications including catalysis
and nanoelectrodes for sensing and fuel cells. They are also applicable for various therapeutic
purposes including targeting, diagnosis, magnetic hyperthermia, and drug delivery. Therefore, it is
an ambitious task to research the corrosion resistance of these magnetic nanostructures in simulated
body fluid.
