THE DIFFUSION-CONTROLLED GROWTH OF AN ASSEMBLY OF MERCURY SPHERES ON A CONDUCTING SUBSTRATE - A COMBINED STUDY BY ELECTROCHEMICAL AND LIGHT-SCATTERING METHODS

The diffusion-controlled growth at constant potential of an assembly of mercury spheres on a platinum surface is studied by means of the light scattering technique. It is shown that deceleration of the growth rate, as a result of diffusional interaction between neighbouring particles, can be directly measured using this technique. Two models for the description of the growth and concomitant current transient are compared and their validity is verified. A horizontal position of the working electrode was found to be essential in order to prevent dislodging and coalescence of the growing nuclei.