Atomistic Aspects of Electrodeposition

Atomistic processes that constitute the electrodeposition process, Eqs (1 and 2), can be seen by presenting the structure of the initial, Mz+ (solution), and the final, Mz+ (lattice), states. Since metal ions in the aqueous solution are hydrated, the structure of the initial state in Eq. (2) is represented by [M(H20)X]Z+.The structure of the final state is the M adion (atom) at the kink site (Fig. 7), since it is generally assumed that atoms (ions) are attached to the crystal via a kink site [1] (see Chapter 4.1 in Volume 2). Thus, the final step of the overall reaction, Eq. (2), is the incorporation of Mz+ adions into the kink site. Because of surface inhomogeneity, the transition from the initial [M(H20)X]Z+ (solution) to the final Mz+ (kink) state 

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In this chapter we derive the Butler-Vohner equation for the current-potential relationship, describe techniques for the study of electrode processes, discuss the influence of mass transport on electrode kinetics, and present atomistic aspects of electrodeposition of metals. 

In the discussion of atomistic aspects of electrodeposition of metals in Chapter 6 (Section 6.8), it was shown that in electrodeposition the transfer of a metal ion M"+ from the solution into the ionic metal lattice in the electrodeposition process may proceed via one of two mechanisms (1) direct mechanism in which ion transfer takes place on a kink site of step edge or on any site on the step edge (any growth site) or (2) terrace site ion mechanism. In the terrace site transfer mechanism a metal ion is transferred from the solution (OHP) to the flat face of the terrace region. At this position the metal ion is in adion state and is weakly bound to the crystal lattice. From this position it diffuses on the surface seeking a position with lower potential energy. The final position is a kink site. 

Section 3.1.2 discusses metal/metal-ion interphase at equilibrium Sect. 3.1.3 discusses the relationship between current and potential Sect. 3.1.4 describes the atomistic aspects of electrodeposition and Sect. 3.1.5 presents the techniques for studying deposition processes. 

In the discussion of atomistic aspects of electrodeposition of metals, Sect. 3.1.5, it was shown that in the electrodeposition the transfer of a metal ion M"+ from the solution into the ionic metal lattice in the electrodeposition process may proceed via one of the following two mechanisms ... 

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