Enhancing magnetic field support for the electrodeposition of nano-structured metal layers by reducing global cell flow

M. Huang¹ - K. Skibinska² - P. Zabinski² - K. Eckert¹ - G. Mutschke¹

¹ Institute of Fluid Dynamics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstrasse 400, 01328 Dresden, Germany
² Faculty of Non-Ferrous Metals, AGH University of Science and Technology, A. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland

Abstract
Magnetic fields could be a helpful tool for improving the growth of nanostructures on metal layers during electrodeposition processes. It is well known that an electrode-normal magnetic field promotes the growth of mm-sized conical structures by generating a supportive local electrolyte flow. However, we found recently that for smaller cones of μm/nm-size, this local flow may often be superseded by a stronger global cell flow, thus preventing the structuring effect. We, therefore, discuss improved cell setups to minimize the global flow and to enable the magnetic support of conical growth. Tables 1, Figs 6, Refs 12.