Initial stages of copper electrocrystallization from sulfate electrolytes: Cyclic voltammetry on a platinum ring-disk electrode

Initial stages of copper electrocrystallization on platinum rotating and stationary ring-disk electrodes are studied in sulfate electrolytes of different acidities by cyclic voltammetry with a variable cathodic limit. In a weakly acid sodium sulfate solution of pH 3.7, copper deposition occurs at a higher rate than in a sulfuric acid electrolyte, which is due to an acceleration of the discharge of copper ions caused by local electrostatic effects that occur during the specific adsorption of sulfate anions and hydroxyl ions and to alterating nature of electroactive species. The mechanism of the formation of intermediate species (ions Cu⁺) during the deposition and dissolution of copper in solutions of different acidities is established.     

Characterization of electrodeposited Co + Ni alloys by application of the ALSV technique Professor Aleksandar Despic to commemorate his 70th birthday

Anomalous codeposition of Co and Ni onto a gold RDE was investigated in a solution containing simple sulfate salts with the addition of sodium citrate. It was shown that the dependence of the percentage of Co in the deposit on the percentage of Co in the bath follows the shape found in the literature, with the percentage of Co in the deposit being slightly higher than in electrolytes containing pure simple salts. Alloy layers of different composition, electrodeposited at constant charge Q_dep = 1 C cm⁻² (thickness 0.34 μm) were submitted to anodic dissolution at a sweep rate of 1 mV s⁻¹ (ALSV technique) in a solution of 1 M NaCl, pH 2. All samples were found to dissolve through a single anodic peak, indicating that both constituents of the alloy dissolve simultaneously. Alloys with higher Ni content (above 40at.%) were found to dissolve at potentials more positive than the potential of pure Ni dissolution as a consequence of the Gibbs energy change of formation of electrodeposited solid solution type Co + Ni alloys. The composition of electrodeposited alloys was determined by the atomic absorption technique. An attempt was made to obtain a correlation between the peak potentials of anodic dissolution of alloy samples and the composition of alloys, to determine the composition of the alloy from the peak potential of its dissolution. It is found that such a correlation can be used only for strictly defined conditions of alloy deposition and dissolution, caused by the contribution of the Gibbs energy change of formation of electrodeposited alloys. Also, the presence of a CoNi₃ ordered structure in the system is not detected as a separate ALSV peak, but its existence could be the cause of the shape of the Gibbs energy change with composition of the alloy for alloys electrodeposited at low current density.     

Properties of Zinc alloy electrodeposits produced from acid and alkaline electrolytes

Zinc–cobalt (Zn–Co) and zinc–nickel (Zn–Ni) alloy electrodeposits each prepared from acid and alkaline formulations were compared for their properties. Compared to alkaline baths, acid baths offer higher metal percent of the alloying element and higher current efficiency. In alkaline baths, the variation of metal percent in deposit with current density is less significant, but that of current efficiency with current density is more. Electrolyte pH does not change significantly in alkaline solutions compared to acid solutions. X-ray diffraction evaluation of Zn–Co deposits from both electrolytes indicated their presence in the η-phase, while Zn–Ni shows pure γ-phase for deposits obtained from alkaline solutions and the existence of γ-phase with traces of η-phase of zinc for deposits obtained from the acid electrolytes. Scanning electron microscope examination shows finer grain structure for deposits obtained from alkaline solutions, and atomic force microscope studies confirm their nanostructure with reduced surface roughness. Deposits obtained from the alkaline baths exhibited higher corrosion resistance probably due to their nanostructure.     

Composition of magnetic layer and magnetotransport properties of electrodeposited layered nanostructures (Co-Cu)/Cu and (Ni-Co-Cu)/Cu

The magnetotransport characteristics of Co-Ni-Cu layered coatings containings 100 nanobilayers were measured at room temperature in a magnetic field of ±5 kOe. The coatings were deposited onto nickel sputtered on glass. It is shown that a decrease in the content of copper in the magnetic layer due to the conversion of copper ions in the solution into the multi-charge anionic complexes (by the example of sulfosalicylate electrolyte) leads to an increase in the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effect. The stabilization of composition of Co-based magnetic layer by shifting the copper deposition potential to the equilibrium potential of Co or by introducing Ni, which assists the deposit passivation, leads to a decrease of the GMR effect. A benefit effect of partial dissolution of Co at the deposition potentials of nonmagnetic layer on the magnetotransport characteristics of multilayered coatings is first revealed. It is supposed that the effect is caused by the morphological factor of surface smoothing due to preferential dissolution of projecting areas of magnetic layer.     

Electrolytic palladium deposits: Dependence of adsorption properties and texture on the deposition potential

Specific features of the copper and oxygen adsorption on electrolytic palladium deposits obtained from chloride solutions at different deposition potentials are considered. It is shown that, in sulfuric acid solutions, the palladium dissolution, which accompanies the oxygen adsorption, obscures the adsorption behavior of the deposits with respect to oxygen. Assumptions are made about the predominant crystallographic orientation (100) of the surface of some palladium deposits being dependent on the deposition potential and about the presence of regions whose adsorption properties are anomalous with respect to copper. The assumptions are based on a comparative analysis of the copper adsorption data and X-ray diffraction patterns. In addition to sites of crystalline palladium, the deposits are found to have disordered areas as well. Dedicated to the ninetieth anniversary of Ya.M. Kolotyrkin’s birth.     

α-Al2O3纳米粒子对Co-Ni合金异常共沉积电化学行为的影响

为了研究在电化学复合共沉积过程中,惰性纳米粒子和金属离子、电极表面的相互作用,以及由此产生的对合金电化学共沉积行为的影响.本文从两个吸附过程出发: 电解液中的金属离子和H＋在纳米粒子表面的吸附；纳米粒子迁移到阴极表面,在电极表面的吸附.采用Zeta电势和稳态极化以及电化学交流阻抗（EIS）研究了纳米Al2O3粒子和电解液中的金属离子，和电极表面的相互作用,进而分析了纳米粒子对Co2＋和Ni2＋还原沉积的影响规律.通过对阻抗数据的拟合,讨论了Al2O3纳米粒子对等效电路中各物理参数的影响.在H＋和不同金属离子在纳米粒子上发生竞争吸附的基础上,提出了纳米粒子和合金共沉积的可能反应历程.     

Fabrication of multisegmented magnetic wires with micron-length copper spacers

Segmented magnetic nanowires have a distinctive magnetic signature which can be exploited in magnetic biosensors. We report on the fabrication of magnetic segmented nanowires with copper spacers a few microns long. The key to avoid dissolution of the magnetic segment by an electroless reaction with the Cu bath is to include an interlayer, which protects the magnetic segments from dissolution with concentrated Cu^2 + electrolytes. Ni alloyed with Co makes it magnetically soft and for a Co₈₀Ni₂₀ composition, the specific magnetization is reduced by only 15%, compared to pure Co.     

Iron–cobalt and iron–cobalt–nickel nanowires deposited by means of cyclic voltammetry and pulse-reverse electroplating

Metal nanowires composed of Fe–Co and Fe–Co–Ni alloys were successfully prepared by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and pulse-reverse (PR) electroplating techniques from acidic metal chloride solutions. The anodic dissolution process in the CVs or in the reverse electroplating period was found to be the key factor influencing the formation of metal nanowires. The addition of nickel into the Fe–Co alloy was found to extend the diameter of these nanowires. The morphology and crystalline information of these alloy deposits prepared by CV and PR deposition techniques were obtained from the field-emission scanning electron microscopic (FE-SEM) photographs and X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, respectively.     

pH dependence of the composition of electrodeposited Co films in aqueous sulfate solutions

The electrodeposition of cobalt onto gold is studied as a function of the pH of the electrolyte. Electrochemical quartz crystal microgravimetry is used to identify the material deposited. Using a Co sulfate solution without additives, it is found that for pH <-3.2, Co metal deposits. For pH > 3.2 and at sufficiently negative applied potential, first Co hydroxide deposits and then Co metal. The addition of boric acid, H₃BO₃ to cobalt sulfate solutions leads to different results: measurements done up to pH 5.5 indicate that only Co metal deposits, showing that boric acid prevents the formation of cobalt hydroxide. Published in Russian in Elektrokhimiya, 2007, Vol. 43, No. 7, pp. 899–902. The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

纳米晶Ni-Mo-Co合金镀层的结构与析氢行为

电沉积;结构;纳米晶Ni-Mo-Co合金镀层的结构与析氢行为     

Study of copper electrodeposition from acidic sulfate and perchlorate electrolytes using faradaic impedance spectroscopy and quartz microbalance methods

Copper electrodeposition from acidic sulfate and perchlorate electrolytes is studied. Some measurements are performed with addition of gelatine as a surface active agent. In the course of microgravimetric studies, decrease of the derivative of the electrode mass variation by the consumed charge is found, as compared to the value corresponding to the current efficiency of 100%. The latter is in part related to the effect of the double layer structure on the rate of the consecutive stages of copper recharge (Cu²⁺ + e → Cu⁺) and deposition (Cu⁺ + e → Cu). This effect is most pronounced in the case of solutions containing surface active agents that cause hyperpolarization and extension of the monovalent copper stability range as a result of their adsorption on the electrode surface. The faradaic impedance spectra obtained in sulfate and perchlorate electrolytes evidence at least the difference in the rate constants of recharge and copper deposition in these electrolytes. In both cases, the recharge rate constant is considerably lower than the deposition rate constant. The difference between these constants decreases noticeably at the addition of surface active agents.     

Effect of the displacement reaction on the composition of the magnetic layer in electrodeposited layered nanostructures Co-Cu/Cu and Ni-Cu/Cu

Methods of stripping voltammetry, quartz microgravimetry, and x-ray-fluorescence analysis are employed to explore the copper displacement process on thin electrodeposited layers of pure cobalt and nickel and on deposits of these metals with inclusions of copper. The displacement reaction proceeds at a considerable rate on cobalt in the sulfate and sulfosalicylate solutions and virtually does not proceed on nickel in both the sulfate or sulfate-chloride solutions. An estimate of the rate of the copper displacement reaction following a change in the concentration of copper ions in the solution and in the pH of the sulfosalicylate solution is given. A decrease in the contact exchange rate is facilitated by a decrease in the concentration of copper ions in solution and their participation in the formation of complexes.     

Corrosion–Electrochemical Behavior of Chromium Deposits Obtained from Sulfuric Acid Solutions Containing Oxalates

The corrosion–electrochemical behavior of chromium electrodeposits, which are formed in sulfuric acid solutions of Cr(III) containing oxalates, is studied by taking steady-state polarization measurements in a 0.5 M H₂SO₄ solution. No region of the metal's active dissolution is observed for such coatings, and the open-circuit potential is localized in the passivity region, i.e. it is substantially displaced in the positive direction as compared with that for metallurgic chromium or the coatings deposited from standard chromium-plating electrolytes. According to XPS data, the surface layer of the passive metal a few nanometers thick includes oxide compounds of chromium and also carbides formed during the coating electrodeposition. Specific features of the corrosion–electrochemical behavior of the deposits are attributed to the presence of carbide compounds of chromium in them, with the compounds playing the role of a cathodic alloying agent.     

Cu/Cu2+沉积型电极在流动酸性电解液中的电化学性能

在流动的高浓度硫酸铜酸性溶液中, 研究了H2SO4浓度、 温度和CuSO4浓度对Cu/Cu2+沉积型电极在石墨基体上电化学性能的影响. 结果表明, 沉积型铜电极反应受控于阴极沉积过程, 室温下动力学过程较慢, 但铜沉积致密, 不易形成枝晶和海绵状铜. 适当提高H2SO4和CuSO4浓度及反应温度可降低铜沉积的极化, 改善其动力学特征; 但Cu离子的溶解度受限于H2SO4浓度, CuSO4浓度提升空间有限. 优化电解液组成为2.5 mol/L H2SO4＋0.7 mol/L CuSO4, 反应温度45 ℃. 在此条件下, 铜在石墨基体上沉积/溶解的交换电流密度提高1个数量级, 具有良好的动力学特征, 单电极充放电电压差降低近50%, 能量效率超过80%.     

Copper electrodeposition into ion-exchange materials

Electrodeposition of copper into spherical granules of ion-exchange materials KU-23 and KU-2 out of acid sulfate solutions is studied by a method of cyclic voltammetry. It is discovered that the discharge of copper ions in an ion-exchange matrix is characterized by a cathodic overvoltage that is higher than the overvoltage of the same process on a graphite substrate by 0.08 V, which is most probably connected with a limited mobility of ions localized at fixed groups [RSO ₃ ^? ]. The cyclic voltammogram exhibits an additional cathodic peak in the potential region corresponding to the reduction of single-charged copper ions that form as a result of their accumulation inside pores of the ion-exchange matrix during anodic dissolution of metal deposited previously. It is fixed microscopically that the process of deposition begins at the graphite substrate/ion-exchanger interface and passes into bulk upon the formation of an electron-conducting layer saturated with copper. Preliminary saturation of the ion-exchanger by copper deposited chemically facilitates uniform electrodeposition of copper over the entire volume of pores of the ion-exchange matrix.     

Photoelectrochemical characteristics of oxide layers on copper-nickel alloys

The electrochemical behavior of a series of Cu-(7, 30, 50, 70 wt%)Ni alloys in borate buffer and sodium sulfate solutions with and without argon purging was studied by cyclic voltammetry and the photocurrent response method. It is shown that nickel has an effect on both the dark and photocurrents and stimulates oxide film formation. The measurements show that oxygen leads to the formation of passivating p-type Cu₂O layers. In sulfate solution this type changes at the potential of the onset of intense alloy dissolution. Received: 15 June 1998 / Accepted: 16 November 1998     

Calorimetric and spectroscopic studies of solutions of copper(II) and nickel(II) nitrates in water-carbamide mixtures at 298.15 K

The heat effects of mixing aqueous solutions of copper(II) and nickel(II) nitrates with water-carbamide mixtures were measured on an isothermic-shell calorimeter in the amide concentration region. An increase in the concentration of carbamide strengthened solvation in copper(II) salt solutions to a greater extent. The electronic absorption spectra were recorded at fixed concentrations of the electrolytes to find that the solvation of copper(II) and nickel(II) nitrates in water-carbamide mixtures involved intrasphere and predominantly outer-sphere cation-solvent interactions, respectively.     

On the ratio of processes of adsorbed oxygen layer formation and palladium surface layer dissolution at linear anodic potential sweep

The surface layer dissolution on certain palladium deposits (Pd/Pt) and smooth polycrystalline Pd in sulfuric acid solutions is quantitatively studied at anodic linear potential sweep using atomic absorption analysis. The strong effect of the conditions of Pd/Pt electrolytic generation on the processes of palladium dissolution and oxygen adsorption is shown. The scanning electron microscopy method is used to trace the relationship between the synthesis conditions and the palladium deposit morphology. It is shown that palladium dissolution in the course of the anodic potential sweep is the most active for deposits with the highest specific surfaces. At the oxygen adsorption potentials, the charge value consumed in Pd dissolution decreases as the potential sweep rate increases.     

Morphology, structure, and magnetism of FeCo thin films electrodeposited on hydrogen-terminated Si(111) surfaces

In this work we describe the fabrication of FeCo alloy (less than 10 at% Co) thin films from aqueous ammonium sulfate solutions onto n-type Si(111) substrates using potentiostatic electrodeposition at room temperature. The incorporation of Co into the deposits tends to inhibit Fe silicide formation and to protect deposits against oxidation under air exposure. As the incorporation of Co was progressively increased, the sizes of nuclei consisting of FeCo alloy increased, leading to films with a highly oriented body-centered cubic structure with crystalline texture, where (110) planes remain preferentially oriented parallel to the film surface.     

Peculiarities of anodic behavior of gold electrode in thiosulfate electrolytes

Using the methods of quartz microgravimetry and voltammetry, the anodic behavior of gold electrode in thiosulfate electrolytes is studied in the pH range of 7 to 11. It is found that, in the potential range from 0.15 to 1.0 V (NHE), the anodic current is associated predominantly with the oxidation of thiosulfate ions, and the gold dissolution rate in this electrolyte is negligibly low (< 0.02 mA/cm²). It is shown that the study of anodic processes in the neutral thiosulfate electrolytes requires stabilization of solution acidity, because the near-anode layer can be acidified to the pH values, which are sufficient for the formation of elemental sulfur. It is found that the use of Britten-Robinson buffer solution with pH 7 as the supporting electrolyte changes significantly the polarization curve of thiosulfate ion oxidation, but does not raise the gold dissolution rate. An increase in the solution pH to 11 and an exposure of electrode at various potentials (−0.5 and 0.15 V) prior to the onset of potential scanning also do not accelerate considerably the gold dissolution in the thiosulfate electrolyte. A comparison between the regularities of gold anodic behavior in the thiosulfate solutions and earlier studied gold dissolution in the cyanide and thiocarbamide electrolytes showed that they are similar. It is supposed that the specific features of anodic processes in these cases are of a similar nature: the metal dissolution proceeds with the formation of two-ligand complexes with linear structure, which is typical for all aforementioned ligands.