Electrodeposition Of Thin Films Research Articles

Electrodeposition of MnAs-Based Thin-Film as a Possible Promising Candidate in Spintronics Applications

A thin film material obtained by Mn As co-electrodeposition was electrochemically deposited. Electrodeposition was chosen because is a versatile and easily scalable technique with low costs, and achievable under ambient conditions in water solution. These advantages are often unmatched by the typical production routes of spintronic materials. The use of different substrates was investigated, and the optimal deposition conditions were sought to reach the required morphology and composition, considering also the influence of pH and O2. The deposition conditions were optimized using multivariate analysis. The samples were characterized morphologically, crystallographically, and compositionally with SEM-EDS, XRD, and XPS, suggesting that the deposit chemical composition was predominantly constituted by MnAs and MnO2. Magnetic characterization performed with a SQUID magnetometer showed that the sample disclose a ferromagnetic component. MnAs and MnO2 are known to have properties suitable for applications in spintronics, making this system interesting as an alternative for spintronic-based devices.

Improved plating/stripping in anode-free lithium metal batteries through electrodeposition of lithiophilic zinc thin films

The new concept of anode-free Li batteries (AFLBs) with no excess lithium, while retaining numerous strengths, does come with certain challenges, such as high capacity loss and low coulombic efficiency. These challenges can be addressed through the utilization of modified lithiophilic current collectors to enhance the electrochemical performances. Herein, we investigated the surface modification of the Cu current collector by zinc electrodeposition to provide a lithiophilic thin layer. This process aims to facilitate a smoother plating/stripping process, leading to a uniform and dendrite-free lithium deposition on the LixZny phase formed at the first stages of plating. The zinc-modified current collectors improved cell's performances, including smooth and dense lithium deposition, reduced overpotential at various applied current densities (44.5 mV to 16.8 mV @0.25 mA cm−2), prolonged cycling stability for about 300 cycles and provided high coulombic efficiency of 95 % when compared to bare Cu electrodes. These improvements are attributed to a favorable lithium alloying reaction on the Zn-coated surface. Galvanostatic Intermittent Titration Technique (GITT) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) revealed high diffusion coefficients for lithium (ranging from 10−9 to 10−6 cm² s-1), despite of the solid-state Li diffusion in the Zn film coating. We anticipate that implementing this modified current collector in a half-cell configuration could lead to the realization of a high-performance, anode-free lithium battery. This holistic approach proposes a scalable and cost-effective technique for boosting the performance of AFLBs.

Unravelling the Mechanism of Electrochemically Induced Sol-Gel Depositions: pH Profiles Near Electrode and Influence on Film Growth

Electrochemically induced sol-gel depositions have become a widespread, versatile method for fabricating hybrid and nanostructured oxides on conductive substrates. The process is based on the buildup of electrochemically generated OH− in the diffusion layer near the electrode surface. For the electrodeposition of silica thin films, these OH− ions catalyze the gelation of a kinetically stable precursor solution, thereby resulting in an electrochemically controlled process. The control of the diffusion layer has proven pivotal to depositing thin films while preventing the formation of aggregated by-products deeper in the solution. In this work, the silica sol-gel reactions and electrochemical OH− generation were critically analyzed and described to gain insight into the deposition mechanism. A general model is proposed that predicts the pH profile during both stationary and rotating disk electrode depositions under different conditions (i.e., current densities, times, and rotation rates). This model provides insights into the reactive zones where gelation occurs, and explains typical phenomena observed during deposition such as the dependence of film growth rates and aggregate formation on the deposition conditions. The insights and expressions obtained in this work are invaluable when designing future experiments using novel chemistries or setups.

Electrochemical Sensor Based on Electrodeposited Zinc-Aluminium Layered Double Hydroxide Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for Chlorpromazine Sensing

Chlorpromazine functions as a potent dopamine D2 receptor antagonist, leading to adverse motor-related effects encompassing cataracts, musculoskeletal disorders, alterations in eyelid pigmentation, muscle contractions, and tremors-addressing the need for a reliable analytical tool, an electrodeposited thin film was synthesized on a glassy carbon electrode (GC) surface. This film comprised zinc-aluminium layered double hydroxide (Zn-Al LDH), with nitrate ions intercalated between the LDH layers. The electrocatalytic behavior of the resulting electrode (GC/Zn-Al LDH) in the oxidation and reduction of nitrogen and sulfur atoms within the thiazine ring structure of chlorpromazine was systematically studied using cyclic voltammetry. Evaluation of the electrode’s analytical response through diverse electroanalytical techniques demonstrated that the square wave voltammetry-assisted electrochemical sensor displayed a broad detection range for chlorpromazine (1 × 10−4 to 1 mM), with a sensitivity of 91.86 μA mM−1 and an impressive low detection limit of 16 × 10−6 mM. Furthermore, the performance of the developed electrode was assessed in detecting and quantifying chlorpromazine levels in simulated human urine samples through recovery studies. The results indicated satisfactory recovery rates, affirming the efficacy of the Zn-Al LDH-modified GC electrode. Noteworthy features of the electrochemical sensor included high surface coverage, improved electron transfer rate, reliable repeatability, and exceptional reproducibility. These characteristics collectively contribute to the sensor’s popularity for accurately detecting and quantifying of chlorpromazine in real-world samples.

Pulse electrodeposition of CuSbS2 thin films: Role of Cu/Sb precursor ratio on the phase formation and its performance as photocathode for hydrogen evolution§

In this paper, we outline the development of stoichiometric chalcostibite, CuSbS2 thin films, from a single bath by pulse electrodeposition for its application as a photocathode in photoelectrochemical cells (PEC). The Cu/Sb precursor molar ratio of the deposition bath was varied to obtain stoichiometric CuSbS2 thin films. The optimized deposition and dissolution potentials were −0.72 V and −0.1 V vs saturated calomel electrode, respectively. The formation of CuSbS2 was analyzed using different characterization tools. X-ray diffraction and Raman results showed the formation of the pure chalcostibite phase from a precursor bath with molar ratio Cu/Sb = 0.41. The heterostructure CuSbS2/CdS/Pt was tested as a photocathode in the PEC. The energy positions of the conduction and valence bands were estimated from the Mott Schottky plots. The conduction band and valence band offset of CuSbS2/CdS heterojunction were 0.1 eV and 1.04 eV, respectively. The electric field created in the junction reduced the recombination of the electron/hole pairs and improved charge transfer in the interface. The heterostructure CuSbS2/CdS/Pt demonstrated an improved photocurrent density of 3.4 mA cm−2 at 0 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode. The PEC efficiency obtained from the CuSbS2/CdS heterojunction was 0.56 %. Therefore, we demonstrated the feasibility of an inexpensive technique like electrodeposition for the development of an efficient earth-abundant photocathode.

Enhancing supercapacitor performance through electrodeposition of cobalt hydroxide thin film: structural analysis, morphological characterization, and investigation of electrochemical properties

Enhancing supercapacitor performance through electrodeposition of cobalt hydroxide thin film: structural analysis, morphological characterization, and investigation of electrochemical properties

The Influence of the Magnetic Field on Ni Thin Film Preparation by Electrodeposition Method and Its Electrocatalytic Activity towards Hydrogen Evolution Reaction

Ni thin films were synthesized through the electrodeposition method from three different electrolytes (acetate, borate, and citrate). Furthermore, they were assessed as electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in 1 M NaOH. Herein, various electrodeposition parameters, such as the pH of the electrolytes, the deposition potential, and the influence of the magnetic field, were measured. We compared the different morphologies and characteristics depending on the thin film electrodeposition process parameters. Moreover, we studied the material’s wettability changes based on the electrolyte’s composition and the applied external magnetic field. It was found that the deposited Ni thin film from the citrate electrolyte under the influence of the magnetic field in the perpendicular direction to the electrode surface had the best catalytic performance to HER. It possessed an overpotential value of 231 mV and a Tafel slope of 118 mV dec−1. The deposition process was accomplished by using the chronoamperometry technique. Measuring scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction were used to characterize the fabricated films’ surface morphologies and crystalline structures.

Surfactant integrated nanoarchitectonics for controlled morphology and enhanced functionality of tungsten oxide thin films in electrochromic supercapacitors

This research focuses on tungsten oxide (WO3) as a promising material, and the study investigates the electrodeposition of WO3 thin films on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) coated glass substrates using three different surfactants: cationic hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA), anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and non-ionic polyethylene glycol (PEG). The X-ray diffraction analysis confirms that the resulting thin films exhibit amorphous structures. Raman analysis supports the identification of the pure WO3 phase based on the stretching and vibrational modes observed in the colored and bleached states. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic study examines the influence of cathodic and anodic potentials on the formation of oxidized and reduced tungsten species in surfactant-aided WO3 thin films. Field emission scanning electron microscopy is utilized to investigate the impact of different surfactants on the morphology of WO3 thin films, revealing the formation of porous, clumped, and dense nanogranules on the film surface. Electrochromic energy storage investigations highlight the superior performance of the W-PEG (polyethylene glycol assisted WO3) thin film, which exhibits efficient lithium-ion accommodation and desirable bifunctional characteristics. The optimized W-PEG sample demonstrates excellent electrochromic performance, including high optical modulation (84.39 %), good reversibility (98 %), and high coloration efficiency (117.95 cm2/C). Supercapacitive measurements reveal a high areal capacitance of 44.1 mF/cm2 at a current density of 0.1 mA/cm2, as well as an energy density of 0.024 mWh/cm2 at a power density of 0.1 mW/cm2, with 85 % capacitive retention over 8000 consecutive galvanostatic charge-discharge cycles. Furthermore, the application potential of nanogranular WO3 for electrochromic energy storage is demonstrated through the successful illumination of a red and green light-emitting diode (LED) using fully colored electrochromic supercapacitor devices (4 × 3 cm2), highlighting their energy storage capability.

Electrodeposition of crystalline germanium thin films by the electrochemical liquid-liquid-solid method

The direct electrodeposition of crystalline germanium thin films in aqueous solutions at low temperatures represents a promising and cost-effective method for synthesising semiconductor materials. This study investigates the influence of the deposition potential and time on the characteristics of crystalline germanium thin films derived from germanium oxide precursors in aqueous solution through electrochemical liquid–liquid-solid (ec-LLS) process at low temperature. Additionally, it establishes a Ge/Cu Schottky junction by heterogeneous growth of germanium films on copper (Cu) metal via electrochemical liquid–liquid-solid–solid (ec-LLSS) process.X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that an increase in the deposition potential to −1.7 V resulted in a shift in the crystal orientation of the germanium film from (220) to (111), while excessive deposition potential (>−2.0 V) led to a reduction in the crystallinity of the deposited samples. At a deposition temperature of 70 °C and a deposition potential of −1.8 V, the crystal cluster size and the crystal quality increased with the increasing deposition time. However, at −2.0 V, the crystallinity of the germanium film reached an optimal state after 30 min and then gradually declined with time.Charactersation techniques such as EDS, XPS and Raman spectroscopy indicated that the use of liquid electrode Ga(l) as a doping source during the electrodeposition process allowed for heterogeneous growth of Ga-doped p-type germanium films on a Cu substrate.The I-V characteristic curves demonstrated that the Ge/Cu Schottky junctions exhibited significant rectification characteristics, rendering them suitable for potential applications in solar cells.

Quantitative measurement of CA 15-3 cancer biomarker using an electrochemical aptasensor based on the electrodeposition of Au thin film on cauliflower-like rGO-MoS2 nanocomposite.

The present research was conducted to design and construct an electrochemical aptasensor for evaluating carbohydrate antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) as a biomarker for breast cancer. The aptasensor has been fabricated by a gold thin film (AuTF) electrodeposited on a cauliflower-like reduced graphene oxide-molybdenum sulfide nanocomposite (rGO-MoS2). The modified electrode's surface was used to immobilize the thiolated aptamer, which was subsequently treated with CA 15-3 antigen. The aptasensor fabrication process was assessed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). This research also applied EIS to the quantitative measurement of CA 15-3 antigen by the proposed aptasensor. The interfacial charge transfer resistance (Rct) alteration before and after incubation of CA 15-3 by theimmobilized aptamer was considered a signal for the quantitative measurement of CA 15-3. A linear concentration ranging from 5.0 to 200.0 U mL-1 with a detection limit of 3.0 × 10-1 U mL-1 was obtained for CA 15-3 using the EIS method. This designed aptasensor indicates satisfactory repeatability and stability, good selectivity, and high sensitivity. Moreover, clinical samples were assayed by the prepared aptasensor and compared with the ELISA method, yielding acceptable results. Therecovery and relative standard deviation (RSD) of CA 15-3 in human serum samples were in the range 95.0 to 107.0% and 3.5 to 7.5%, respectively.

Direct electrodeposition of CoFeNiMoW high entropy alloy thin films from aqueous medium

The direct electrodeposition of CoFeNiMoW high entropy alloy (HEA) thin films from aqueous medium is demonstrated. By employing a citrate-containing bath and varying the applied current density (ic), HEAs with different compositions are obtained. Specifically, the composition of the HEA thin film obtained at ic = 50 mA cm−2 is Co30Fe21Ni19Mo25W5. The physical characterization of the HEA thin films is performed by energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDS), grazing incidence x-ray diffraction (GIXRD), and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. Results confirm the presence and composition of the multicomponent HEA thin films and highlight galvanostatic electrodeposition as a simple, versatile, and cost-effective technique to create these HEA thin films.

Electrodeposited CZTS loaded titania nanotubes for photocatalytic water splitting

Copper Zinc Tin Sulphide (Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS)) is a promising semiconductor material with optimum direct band gap of 1.4-1.6 eV, large light absorption coefficient (> 104 cm-1) and p-type electrical conductivity. In addition, its earth abundant and non-toxic elemental constituents make it a good candidate to replace the CdTe and CIGS absorber layers used in thin film solar cells. Also, it has properties that make it useful as a buffer layer that helps to reduce the effective band gap of TiO2 when used as an anode for photocatalytic splitting of water. We prepared titania nano tube (TNT) arrays by anodization of titanium foil. Raman spectrum of TNT confirmed the presence of pure anatase phase of TiO2. Field emission scanning electron microscopy images were obtained to analyse the surface morphology of TNT. CZTS sensitized titania nano tube arrays were then prepared by the electrodeposition of CZTS thin films over TNT arrays. FESEM images of the CZTS sensitized titania nano tube arrays showed that the electrodeposited CZTS layer had a fibrous structure. A photo electro chemical (PEC) cell was set up with CZTS sensitized titania nanotubes as anode. An anodic current density of 0.19 mA/cm2 was shown by the PEC cell when the anode was irradiated with blue light of wavelength 430 nm at power 50 mW/cm2. The incident photon to current conversion efficiency was 1.1 %.

Electrodeposition of Thin Films for Jewels and Fashion Accessories

The interest in scientific research within the metal finishing sector is growing. The demand for durable metals and adaptable manufacturing processes is increasing across a wide range of applications, from aerospace and automotive to machinery and jewelry. An essential step in the production line is the surface engineering of metals, as this determines the final appearance and functionality of a product. Therein electroplating is recognized as a mature technology allowing the low-cost fabrication of defined surfaces with extensive property profiles. Galvanic electrodeposition accounts today for almost 40% of the global market value share with North America and Western Europe leading the scenery. Although technological and processing advancements occurred in the past forty years, industrial firms are still struggling to provide solutions to corrosion protection as well as the reduction of toxic wastes. Specifically, large-scale industrialization of electroplating techniques will continue to be limited by strict environmental regulations. Due to adverse ecological impacts, the adoption of plating processes involving toxic metals such as lead or cadmium is prohibited. Moreover, price volatility of the highly demanding electroplated materials gold, copper, and nickel is expected to impact the market share by more than 60% by 2026.In that respect, alloy plating offers better answers in terms of economic growth and environmental sustainability due to fine-tuning composition, morphology, and crystallinity [1]. Here, current trends in alloy electrodeposition research are reviewed highlighting open challenges and process innovations from an industrial perspective. The main categories of alloy compounds are presented and the most important properties of the manufacturing process are discussed. Particular attention is devoted to advances in industrial quality control and viable solutions for the reduction of precious metal content in electroplated accessories as well as the replacement of cyanide and nickel baths with non-toxic compounds.The authors acknowledge Regione Toscana POR CreO FESR 2014-2020 – azione 1.1.5 sub-azione A1 – Bando 1 “Progetti Strategici di ricerca e sviluppo” which made possible the project: “RAM-PVD” (CUP 3647.04032020.157000057_1225).

Structural, magnetic, dielectric and spectroscopic impedance analysis of magnesium iron oxide thin films synthesized by electrodeposition: Effect of preferred orientation

Magnesium iron oxide is the most valuable and versatile spinel system with reduced eddy current and dielectric losses. Spinel ferrites are electrically non-conductive. The electrodeposition is used to synthesize thin films on Cu substrate. A set of five thin films is prepared by varying the in-situ oxidation time (10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 25 min and 30 min) and a fixed deposition time of 25 min. The x-ray diffractometer XRD (phase confirmation), Scanning Electron Microscope SEM (morphological analysis), Fourier transforms infra-red spectroscope FT-IR (bond-formation), impedance analyzer (dielectric-measurements) and vibratory sample magnetometer VSM (magnetic properties) has been utilized to examine the prepared samples. All the studied samples have been found, single-phase spinel structures. XRD shows the pure phase formation of spinel MgFe2O4 at 20 min, 25 min, and 30 min. The exchange of the preferred orientation (PO) from (731) mixed phase to (533) spinel is observed. This change in preferred orientation has been caused the changes in the properties of prepared thin films. The average lattice constant, cell volume, x-ray density and crystallite size of magnesium-iron oxide were found at 8.3814 Å, 588.58 (Å)3, 3.2098 g/cm3 and 24.0392 nm respectively. In FTIR analysis of magnesium-iron oxide, two characteristic spinel bands are observed below 700 cm−1. The SEM result showed a smooth granular structure at 30 min. The normal behavior of the dielectric constant and single semicircle is observed in cole-cole plot. All the prepared thin films are ferromagnetic in nature. At 30 min, a higher dielectric constant, 20.2 (log f = 5) and 162.3 emu/cm3 saturation magnetization. The remarkable dielectric and magnetic findings are promising for using electrodeposited thin films in electronic and spintronic devices.

Electrodeposition of Copper Thin Films on Screen Printed Carbon Electrodes towards Electrochemical Sensing of Nitrate

Accurate and frequent monitoring of NO3 − levels in water bodies is crucial for human health and environment. In this work, copper (Cu) thin films electrodeposited on screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) were explored as an electrochemical sensing platform for the detection of NO3 − in water. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was employed to characterize the morphology and composition of the thin film modified electrode. The electrochemical response of Cu thin film deposited SPCE under different pH conditions (4 to 10) and various temperature (20 °C–60 °C) was assessed using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The developed electrochemical sensor allowed the measurement of NO3 − levels ranging from 50 to 750 μM with a sensitivity of 0.1042 μA mM−1. The sensor exhibited good detection limit in fish culture water (120 nM), reverse osmosis processed water (91 nM) and borewell water (98 nM). The sensor response was found to be stable in the presence of other interfering analytes (NO2 −, K+, Na+, SO4 2−, Mg2+, Cl-, Fe3+, Fe2+, Mn2+, Cu2+, Zn2+). The performance of the sensor was demonstrated in water samples collected from various sources and the sensor showed an acceptable performance rates for practical applications.

CoCrFeMnNi High-Entropy Alloy Thin Films Electrodeposited on Aluminum Support

We investigate the corrosion behavior on the microstructure of CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy thin film potentiodynamic alloys electrodeposited on aluminum support. Using electrolytes based on dimethyformamide (DMF), (HCON(CH₃)₂), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO, (CH3)2SO), an acetonitrile (AN, CH3CN) organic system (4:1 vol. ratio), LiClO4 in different concentrations and CoCl2, CrCl3 × 6H2O, FeCl2 × 4H2O, MnCl2 × 4H2O and NiCl2 × 6H2O in different conditions, the HEA components were co-deposited on an aluminum foil substrate. Using the CALPHAD method and the MatCalc PC software, the structure of the HEA system under study was investigated by calculating the characteristic kinetic and thermodynamic criteria. The influence of each metal from HEA inside the solid solution zone and over the formation of the solid solution phase were obtained from the ratio between the derived parameters. The electrochemical measurements, which demonstrate that on an aluminum support the HEA thin films have lower corrosion resistance, were performed at ambient temperature in an aerated artificial solution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used to investigate the microstructure of HEA thin films before and after corrosion in artificial seawater. This complex study demonstrates that the electrodeposition of HEA thin films on an aluminum support is more difficult and that the resistance to corrosion is much lower compared to that in the previous work on HEA deposits on a copper support.

Electrodeposited Nickel Sulfide Nanoparticles Incorporated Carbon Nanofibers as Effective Non‐Precious Catalyst for Methanol Electrooxidation in Alkaline Medium

AbstractFor direct methanol fuel cells, developing low‐cost, highly efficient, and long‐term stable electrocatalysts is crucial. In this work, we report easy and single‐step electrodeposition of nickel sulfide thin film incorporating carbon nanofibers on indium tin oxide (denoted as Ni4S3‐CNF/ITO). The electrodeposited materials were characterized by X‐ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and Energy Dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The electrocatalytic activity toward Methanol Oxidation Reaction (MOR) was investigated using Cyclic Voltammetry, Chrono‐Amperometry, and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. The electrocatalyst exhibited good electrocatalytic activity regarding methanol electrooxidation in an alkaline medium with retention of its activity over a significant period of time. These results indicate that the incorporation of carbon nanofibers into nickel sulfide allows the electrocatalyst to gain higher surface area and high tolerance to the catalyst‐poising species generated during MOR. The electrocatalytic activity of electrodeposited Ni4S3‐CNF/ITO makes it a promising electrocatalyst for low‐cost, high‐efficient fuel cells.

Electrodeposition of Bi2Te3 thin films for thermoelectric applications: effect of electrolyte pH

Electrodeposition of Bi2Te3 thin films for thermoelectric applications: effect of electrolyte pH

Electrodeposition of CdTe thin films using an acetate precursor for solar energy application: The effect of deposition voltage

Cadmium Telluride (CdTe) thin films were synthesized using a low-cost two-electrode electrodeposition configuration in potentiostatic mode and from an aqueous acidic solution. More commonly used cadmium salts for electrodeposition of CdTe include CdSO4, CdCl2 and Cd (NO3)2. In the present work, a less commonly used salt, cadmium acetate, was used as a cadmium precursor for the growth of CdTe thin films. The thin films were deposited on a coated glass fluorine- doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates. The deposition voltage was varied from 1230 to 1270 mV with a 10 mV increment. The structure, optical, conductivity, surface morphological, elemental composition, and surface roughness properties of the as-deposited thin films were investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–VIS spectrophotometry, Photoelectrochemical cell analysis (PEC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning probe microscopy (SPM), respectively. The XRD results showed that the CdTe thin films displayed a higher intensity at 1250 mV deposition voltage. UV–VIS spectroscopy measurements revealed that the band gap of the CdTe thin films was near that of the bulk CdTe at 1250 mV deposition voltage. The PEC measurement indicated that at a low voltage of 1230 mV, the conductivity of the film was p-type and Te-rich. When the deposition voltage was 1270 mV, the CdTe films became n-type and Cd-rich. EDS results confirmed the presence of both Cd and Te with more stoichiometric values at the growth voltage of 1250 mV. The SEM images showed that the surface morphology changed with deposition voltage. SPM results indicated that the highest average surface roughness value of 94.9 nm was obtained with a deposition voltage of 1250 mV. These results indicate that the film prepared at a deposition voltage of 1250 mV, may have better potential application as an absorber layer in solar cell device.

Electrodeposition of SnO2 nanostructures onto copper substrates and their electrochemical properties

Potentiostatic electrodeposition of SnO2 thin films from an oxygenated tin chloride bath on anodised copper substrates has been achieved at a bath temperature of 85 °C. At the bath temperature of 85 °C, the evolution of nanoplates, nanoparticles and nanocubes are observed. Aqueous battery and bio-sensing characteristics of the SnO2 nanostructures were assessed. The electrodes are cycled between –1 and +1 V in LiOH . H2O, Li2CO3 and Na2SO4 electrolyte solutions by cyclic voltammetry method. The test results exhibit that the nanocrystalline SnO2 anode is a proficient electrode material for the aqueous lithium battery. Electrochemical detection of ascorbic acid (AA) on the nanostructured SnO2 electrode has also been assessed and SnO2 nanocubes displayed eminent electro catalytic activity towards the oxidation of AA.