NUCLEATION PHENOMENA IN THE ELECTRODEPOSITION OF LEAD ONTO GLASSY-CARBON ELECTRODES

The electrodeposition of lead onto a glassy carbon electrode from 0·1 m HCl solution has been studied mainly by potential step techniques. The early stages of metal deposition are shown to be controlled by a three-dimensional nucleation followed by hemispherical growth. The deposit morphology has been confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results obtained by linear sweep voltammetry are also reported and qualitatively interpreted according to the above-mentioned nucleation mechanism. © 1979 Chapman and Hall Ltd.