Morphology and magnetic properties of island-like Co films obtained by de-wetting as catalysts for carbon nanotube arrays

Interest in the growth of carbon nanotubes by chemical vapor deposition technique using transition 3d metals as catalyst support is still a subject of intense research. In this paper, we report the morphological and magnetic properties of Co films with varying thickness prior to and post de-wetting that enabled the formation of island-like structures. Interestingly enough, we found different magnetic states as a function of Co thickness and grain size. Moreover, the island-like Co films morphology will enable the subsequent development of carbon nanotube arrays that may enclose and/or embed the nanoparticles useful for multiple technologies.