Experimental and Theoretical Studies on Branched Electrodeposits in Thin-Layer Cells

In recent years monopolar electrodeposition in thin-layer cells (ECD) under constant electric fields has been the subject of renewed interest as a paradigmatic model for the study of pattern formation during growth1–42. A closely related problem in bipolar electrochemistry under constant electric fields, known as Spatially Coupled Bipolar Electrochemistry (SCBE) has been recently introduced43–46. In SCBE electrodissolution and electrodeposition in an applied electric field can be exploited to create directional growth of copper deposits between copper particles that are not connected to an external circuit. The study of monopolar and bipolar electrochemistry in thin-layer cells under alternating voltage conditions and its effects upon ion transport has very recently been addressed47–48; electric field and ion transport constitute crucial factors in the characteristics of the connection.