Formation of Adatoms and Crystalline Nuclei at Electrocrystallization of Metals under Galvanostatic Conditions

Abstract

For correctly analyzing the nucleation processes during metal electrodeposition under galvanostatic conditions, we must take into account that the deposition and dissolution processes are of nonequilibrium character, which is associated with deviation of the electrode potential from equilibrium. Ignorance of this factor substantially affects the results of calculations. The experimental dependences potential vs. time obtained under galvanostatic conditions make it possible to determine the equilibrium concentration of adatoms, the electrode-reaction transfer coefficient, and, in certain cases, the exchange current density if the latter is not too high.