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Real-time tracking of metal nucleation via local perturbation of hydration layers.

Real-time tracking of metal nucleation via local perturbation of hydration layers. Thumbnail


Abstract

The real-time visualization of stochastic nucleation events at electrode surfaces is one of the most complex challenges in electrochemical phase formation. The early stages of metal deposition on foreign substrates are characterized by a highly dynamic process in which nanoparticles nucleate and dissolve prior to reaching a critical size for deposition and growth. Here, high-speed non-contact lateral molecular force microscopy employing vertically oriented probes is utilized to explore the evolution of hydration layers at electrode surfaces with the unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution, and extremely low probe-surface interaction forces required to avoid disruption or shielding the critical nucleus formation. To the best of our knowledge, stochastic nucleation events of nanoscale copper deposits are visualized in real time for the first time and a highly dynamic topographic environment prior to the formation of critical nuclei is unveiled, featuring formation/re-dissolution of nuclei, two-dimensional aggregation and nuclei growth.Electrochemical deposition is important for industrial processes however, tracking the early stages of metallic phase nucleation is challenging. Here, the authors visualize the birth and growth of metal nuclei at electrode surfaces in real time via high-speed non-contact lateral molecular force microscopy.

Acceptance Date Aug 15, 2017
Publication Date Oct 17, 2017
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Nature Communications
Print ISSN 2041-1723
Pages 971 - ?
DOI https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-017-01087-1
Keywords Electrochemistry; Imaging techniques; Scanning probe microscopy
Publisher URL https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-017-01087-1

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