Electrocrystallization of copper on single crystal spheres—I. Morphology of the deposit

Abstract

The electrodeposition of copper from an acid copper bath on single crystal copper spheres in the current density range of 1 to 20 mA/cm2 results in characteristic growth structures which depend on the underlying base crystal. These growth structures are dominantly determined by a nearby principal pole representing one of the densest planes of copper, {100}, {110} and {111}. In the region of a {100} pole, the structure is one of layers with faces parallel to the {100} plane. The {110} poles are surrounded by a ridged structure and the {111} poles by triangular pyramids. Between these are transition regions of little distinguishable structure. The areas of the sphere occupied by the various structures depend upon the current density.