Mass-transport effects on texture formation of nickel electrodeposits

Mass-transport effects on the degree of perfection of the preferred orientation of electrodeposited Ni are taken into account in this research. Laminar and turbulent flow conditions were considered in rotating disk electrode and natural convection systems. A clear correlation emerges between the amount of [111] preferred orientation and the cathodic current efficiency, the latter being determined by a combination of hydrodynamic conditions and total electrodeposition current density. Once the limiting current density for the concomitant hydrogen evolution reaction is known experimentally, the cathodic current efficiency can be related in a straightforward way to the product of the hydrodynamic boundary layer thickness and the total electrodeposition current density. This product is negatively correlated with the degree of preferred orientation perfection. A simple semi-empirical correlation follows between operating conditions and crystallographic properties of Ni deposits. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.