Designing of an AFM Cell for In Situ Nanoscopic Study of Electrochemical Deposition

Abstract

The electrochemical cell is designed with a conductive substrate (working electrode) where deposition takes place within a three-electrode cell. In order to complete the electrochemical circuit, the cell has been equipped with a counter electrode (CE) and a reference electrode (RE). The cell additionally incorporates an AFM probe, which serves as a scanning instrument for characterizing the deposited structures as well as a localized contact for triggering the electrochemical processes. The materials used in the cell components are chosen with care to ensure compatibility with the electrolyte solution and to minimize interference or contamination. The aim of this study is to design an electrochemical cell for in situ real-time monitoring of deposition using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), facilitating the controlled growth of thin films or nanostructures on a conducting substrate. The combination of AFM and electrochemical deposition allows for real-time monitoring and precise manipulation of the growth process at the nanoscale. This research focuses on the key design considerations and optimization parameters for an effective electrochemical cell that enables the in situ characterization and control of the deposition process.

Keywords

• AFM
• simulation
• FEM
• electrochemical deposition
• nanosturcture