Abstract: The present invention is directed to the development of a nanoporous alumina template comprising a multilayer metal film structure that allows for the in situ removal of an electrically insulating barrier layer, thus exposing an electrode at the pore bases. An exemplary multilayer thin film precursor is developed herein which contains an aluminum anodization layer, a diffusion barrier and an electrode. Aluminum anodization in an acidic electrolyte solution with a subsequent voltage pulse sequence produces a nanoporous alumina template with a barrier free conductive electrode surface. The nanoporous template of the present invention provides an efficient means for electrodeposition of nanomaterials.