The Role of Magnetic Forces in Electrochemical Reactions - Numerics and Experiments

It is well known, that Lorentz forces can be used to enhance the convection in electrochemical cells. Usually this enhancement leads to an increased limiting current [1], i.e. an increased deposition rate in the case of metal deposition. Currently, the influence of magnetic fields on the morphology of the deposited layers and the action of concentration gradient forces on deposition are intensively discussed. [2,3]
In our presentation, we will discuss the effect of magnetic forces during the electrodeposition of copper for different orientations of the external magnetic field. Besides new analytical findings, by numerical methods, we will present results on the velocity and the concentration field inside the cell from which interesting conclusions can be drawn. Three-dimensional effects are found to play an important role. Finally, a comparison with recent experimental results [4] will be performed.

[1] T.Z. Fahidy, J. Appl. Electrochem. 13 (1983) 553.
[2] A. Bund, H.H. Kuehnlein, J. Phys. Chem. B 109 (2005) 19845.
[3] J. M. D. Coey, F. M. F. Rhen, P. Dunne, S. McMurry, J. Solid State Electrochem. DOI: 10.1007/s10008-006-0254-4.
[4] A. Bund, S. Koehler, H.H. Kühnlein, W. Plieth, Electrochimica Acta 49 (2003) 147.