Microstructural evolution and structure-property correlations in FeCoNi based multi component alloy thin films

Research Project, 2020 – 2022

Multi component alloy (MCA) thin films, due to their significant performance, have been proposed to be suitable choice for several functional applications for e.g. magnetic based such as in power generation and sensors. Our study focuses on producing nanocrystalline thin films of FeCoNi-based multicomponent alloys (4 and 5 element) through electrodeposition and studying their microstructure, texture and structure-magnetic property relationship. The major challenge of this work is the attempt to electrodeposit for the first time 5 elements in a single step using an aqueous electrolyte and to replace harmful organic electrolytes with aqueous electrolytes.Electrodeposition of different FeCoNi-based MCA thin film compositions would be carried out at IIT Hyderabad, followed by comprehensive microstructural characterization of the layers (including thermal stability investigations) at Chalmers University, and succeeded by magnetic properties evaluations at IIT Hyderabad.Prof. Uta Klement (Swedish PI) and Assoc. Prof. Suhash Dey (Indian PI) are well versed in the field of electrodeposition and structural characterization of metallic alloys. The Indian Co-PI (Dr. C. Murapaka) has expertise in the realization and characterization of nanomagnetic devices. Electrodeposition of MCA thin films (4 or more elements) from aqueous medium of different compositions is a big challenge and requires the combined synergistic effort between the experienced electrochemists/material scientists.