Determination of the surface area of loose metal deposits by impedance spectroscopy

The surface area and fractal dimensions of the surface of loose copper and zinc deposits obtained within 30 and 300 s at direct current sixfold exceeding limiting diffusion current on a smooth electrode were in situ determined by impedance spectroscopy. Impedance measurements were performed in 0.5 M Na₂SO₄ solution. A constant phase element taking into account the distribution of double-layer capacitance over the fractal surface of the electrode was used in the equivalent impedance scheme. Specific surface calculated with regard to the weight of the released metal slightly varied within 300 s (from 6.16 to 6.55 and from 7.12 to 5.89 m²/g for copper and zinc deposits, respectively). Fractal dimensions estimated by chronopotentiometry were given for comparison. Fractal dimensions found by two methods for loose copper and zinc deposits agree with each other; their values (2.19–2.75) testify that the surface of the deposits densely fills the space.