Electro deposition, also known as electrodeposition, is a process used to electroplate a material onto a surface.
It involves immersing two electrodes in an electrolyte, a liquid that conducts electricity, typically an aqueous solution of salts or acids.
When an electric current is passed through the electrolyte, the substance being deposited is liberated at one electrode and gets deposited onto the surface of the other electrode.
This process allows for the controlled deposition of even single layers of atoms, resulting in nanostructured films of materials such as copper, platinum, nickel, and gold.
How does electro deposition work? 5 Key Steps Explained
1. Setup of an Electrolytic Cell
The process begins with the setup of an electrolytic cell, which includes an anode and a cathode.
The anode is typically the material that is being deposited, while the cathode is the surface onto which the material is to be plated.
2. Preparation of the Electrolyte Solution
The electrolyte solution contains ions of the material to be deposited.
3. Application of Electric Current
When the electric current is applied, the positively charged ions in the electrolyte are attracted to the negatively charged cathode.
4. Reduction and Deposition
As these ions reach the cathode, they gain electrons and are reduced to their metallic form, depositing onto the cathode's surface.
5. Control of Deposition Parameters
The thickness and uniformity of the deposited layer can be controlled by adjusting the current density, temperature, and concentration of the electrolyte.
This allows for the creation of mechanically robust, highly flat, and uniform films with larger surface areas, which exhibit favorable electrical properties.
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