ELECTRODEPOSICIÓN DE NANOPARTÍCULAS DE COBRE SOBRE HOPG. INFLUENCIA DEL ELECTROLITO SOPORTE

Abstract

The influence of the supporting electrolyte on the initial stages of copper electrodeposition on high oriented pyrolytic graphite was studied, by means of conventional electrochemical techniques. SEM and AFM microscopy techniques were used for the characterization of the generated deposits. The electrocrystallization process was evaluated from CuSO4 solutions with different supporting electrolytes: Na2SO4, H2SO4, and the combination of both. The voltamperometric results indicated the typical response of a diffusion-controlled nucleation and growth process. The highest diffusion coefficient value was found for the Na2SO4 containing solution. SEM and AFM images revealed that the nucleation of Cu follows a progressive mechanism. The density of formed nuclei was lower for the combined electrolyte. In the case of the solution with Na2SO4, the formation of particle agglomerates was evidenced, while for the solution with H2SO4, dendritic structures were also observed.

Keywords

• nanoparticles
• electrodeposition
• copper
• supporting electrolyte