Size-selective electrodeposition of meso-scale metal particles: a general method

• Published in: Electrochimica acta Vol. 47; no. 5; pp. 671 - 677
• Main Authors: Liu, H, Favier, F, Ng, K, Zach, M.P, Penner, R.M
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 03.12.2001; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemistry; Electrochemistry; Electrodeposition; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Metallic coatings; Metals. Metallurgy; Nano and micro particles; Production techniques; Slow-growth method; Study of interfaces; Surface treatment; Slow-growth method; Nano and micro particles; Electrodeposition; Cadmium; Scanning electron microscopy; Gold; Particle size; Nanoparticle; Transition metal; Experimental study; Surface structure; Electrodes; Silver; Platinum; Morphology; Graphite; Microparticle; Nickel; Molybdenum Oxides; Copper; Electrochemical reaction
• ISSN: 0013-4686; 1873-3859
• DOI: 10.1016/S0013-4686(01)00747-2

Metal nano- and microparticles that are narrowly dispersed in diameter can be electrodeposited on graphite basal plane surfaces using the two-step method: First, a voltage pulse with a duration of 5 ms and an overpotential, η=−500 mV was used to nucleate metal particles on the graphite surface. Then, a growth pulse with an overpotential, η, of −20 to −250 mV was applied to grow the metal particles obtained in step 1 to the desired final diameter. For a variety of metals, including silver, gold, platinum, molybdenum, and nickel, this ‘slow-growth’ method yielded dispersions of particles ranging in diameter from 50 nm to 2 μm having a relative standard deviation (RSD dia= σ dia/〈dia〉) as low as 7%.