On the action of magnetic gradient forces in micro-structured copper deposition

Magnetic fields allow to study distinct magnetic effects in various electrochemical systems. Lorentz forces can be utilized to tailor convection and mass transfer in electrolytic cells, thereby influencing for example the morphology and the structure of the electrodeposits [1]. Recently, the influence of magnetic gradient forces on the preparation of microstructured metal deposits on field-gradient electrodes has been discussed in the literature [2]. The presentation summarizes new experimental results, analytical findings and numerical simulations in order to discuss the influence of different magnetic forces involved and the prospects towards smaller deposition structures.

[1] G. Mutschke, A. Hess, A. Bund, J. Fröhlich,
On the origin of horizontal counter-rotating electrolyte flow during
copper magnetoelectrolysis.
Electrochimica Acta 55 (2010) 1543-1547.

[2] K. Tschulik, J. Koza, M. Uhlemann, A. Gebert, L. Schultz,
Effects of well-defined magnetic field gradients on the electrodeposition
of copper and bismuth.
Electrochemistry Communications 11 (2009) 2241-2244.