Synthesis and study of electrolytic materials with a high-energy defect structure and a developed surface

Abstract

The defect structure of the electrolytic copper coatings formed upon mechanical activation of a cathode is described. These coatings are shown to have a fragmented structure containing disclination-type defects, namely, terminating dislocation, disclination and twin boundaries; partial disclinations, misorientation bands; and twin layers. They have both growth and deformation origins. The mechanisms of formation of the structural defects are discussed. It is experimentally proved that part of the elastic energy stored in the crystal volume during electrocrystallization can be converted into surface energy. As a result, catalytically active materials with a large developed surface can be synthesized.