Electrodeposition of Alloys

Monday, 10 October 2022: 08:40
Room 301 (The Hilton Atlanta)
G. Zangari (University of Virginia)
Electrodeposition is a material synthesis process, important to various fabrication processes, which span from the protection of structural metals to nanotechnology. This process requires the reduction of metal ions at a conducting substrate. Thermodynamic and kinetic phenomena relevant to this process are well known, but atomistic processes are not completely understood yet. While the process of electrodeposition is effective and reliable, its importance could improve immensely whether alloys would being developed. Just as the revolution of alloys in the Bronze Age, we seek a revolution in alloys. Indeed, many processes are available in the laboratory, but most of these do not go beyond testing. Traditionally, the independent co-deposition (IC) hypothesis has been referred to as “normal”, while deviations from IC have been traditionally classified in three main classes: irregular, anomalous, and induced; despite its appellation, the “normal” class is by far the least common. We suggest that many more alloys could be grown, even in an industrial environment, if the functional material is sufficiently appealing. Possibilities are considerable, within the limitation of the electrolyte being used.