THE NUCLEATION AND GROWTH MECHANISM IN TIN ELECTRODEPOSITION

摘要

Tin electrodeposition from sulfuric acid electrolytes was studied on a glassy carbon substrate by electrochemical techniques. The morphology of tin nuclei and crystallites was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The analysis of chronoamperomeric experiments revealed that at the nucleation and growth mechanism of tin is dependent on the applied cathodic potential. A transition in the deposition mechanism from 3D progressive to instantaneous nucleation and growth was observed with increasing cathodic potential. The morphology of tin nuclei also varies with applied potentials. At more positive potentials, tetragonal nuclei and crystallites are dominant, and as the potential become more negative, clusters of tin needles increase.