02-05-2011, 02:19 PM
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Electroplating
The chemical conversion of ions in solution into a solid deposit of metal atoms with the work of a electrical power supply
Amount of Deposition
The number of atoms deposited is proportional to the number of electrons passed through the circuit
- We can determine this by measuring the current
Amount of Deposition (cont.)
Note that these equations assume 100% current efficiency (CE) - that is, assuming that all of the electrons are used for converting metal ions. However, another reduction reaction may compete for electrons making the CE less than 100%. For example, 2H+ + 2e- –> H2 . CE must be determined by an independent measurement.
Why choose electroplating to make nanostructures??
The process is easy to operate and only needs simple equipment.
It’s simple to control the deposition rate by controlling the voltage or current
It’s a good way to make Nanowires in a porous template.