During electrodeposition of a more noble metal on top of a less noble one, the galvanic replacement reaction prevents the formation of pure metal layers. So when depositing Pt on top of Ni to make Ni vertical bar Pt multilayers, or when making segmented nanowires containing Ni and Pt, the galvanic replacement reaction needs to be suppressed. As is shown here, at a potential of -0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl (3 M KCl) for the deposition of Pt, no Ni was replaced and Ni vertical bar Pt (micropatterned) multilayers and Ni vertical bar Pt vertical bar Ni segmented nanowires were formed. Magnetization measurements showed the presence of two ferromagnetic phases, which can be of use for switching applications in magnetic devices. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.