Edge electrodeposition effect of cobalt under an external magnetic field

Effect of Magnetic Field on Maskless Localized Electrodepositing Three-Dimensional Microstructure of Nano Nickel Crystals

In the intricate process of maskless localized electrodeposition (MLED) for fabricating three-dimensional microstructures, specifically nickel micro-columns with an aspect ratio of 7:1, magnetic fields of defined strength were employed, oriented both parallel and anti-parallel to the electric field. The aim was to achieve nanocrystalline microstructures and elevated deposition rates. A detailed comparative analysis was conducted to examine the volumetric deposition rate, surface morphology, and grain size of the MLED nickel crystal 3D microstructures, both in the absence and presence of the two magnetic field directions, facilitated by a self-assembled experimental setup. The results indicate that the anti-parallel magnetic field significantly boosts the volumetric deposition rate to a notable 19,050.65 μm3/s and refines the grain size, achieving an average size of 24.82 nm. Conversely, the parallel magnetic field is found to enhance the surface morphology of the MLED nickel crystal 3D microstructure.

Oscillatory Copper Deposition on Conical Iron Electrodes in a Nonuniform Magnetic Field

We report the effect of a magnetic field on the deposition of copper ions on a conically shaped iron probe. In our setup, the magnetic forces and buoyancy are the key factors influencing the electrolyte flow and the mass transfer. Without external current, a spontaneous reduction of copper on the iron cone occurs, known as electroless deposition. Mach–Zehnder and differential interferometry indicate a variation in the concentration of copper ions near the cone. After an initial transient of about 60 s, temporal oscillations in the copper concentration are found under the effect of a magnetic field. In galvanostatic conditions, a similar oscillatory behavior of the concentration of the electrolyte is observed. Numerical simulations show that the oscillations are caused by the magnetic gradient, Lorentz force, and buoyancy force counteracting one another, and the oscillation frequency is estimated analytically based on this mechanism. Furthermore, we present a study on the oscillation frequency for both electroless and galvanostatic conditions with different current densities. The results of this study may stimulate future research aimed at the local control of the deposition rate and the realization of miniaturized, regularly structured deposits using magnetic fields.