Quantitative estimate of the contribution of the surface diffusion process to mass transfer during electrochemical deposition of metals

In this study, an attempt was made to quantify the contribution of the surface diffusion process to mass transfer during electrochemical deposition of metals. The maximum density of nucleation centers is calculated, at which only diffuse overgrowth of a continuous layer of a new phase is possible. The time of diffusion overgrowth of a continuous monomolecular layer of a new phase is calculated. The results of independent experiments on the determination of boundery diffusion coefficients in a two-layer platinum-nickel thin-film system are analyzed. The value of the boundery diffusion coefficient of nickel at a temperature of 393K was found. The part of mass transfer due to surface diffusion of physically adsorbed atoms in relation to the total mass transfer during electrochemical deposition of metals has been quantified. It is proved that the role of the surface diffusion process in the formation of the coating during electrochemical deposition of metals is insignificant. It is shown that this is an indirect proof of the formation of an amorphous coating structure during electrochemical deposition of metal.