The mechanism of bismuth films growth at initial stages of electrochemical deposition

The processes of Bi films electrodeposition from perchlorate electrolyte at the initial stages have been investigated. For the first time it has been shown and explained why, with deposition duration of 1 s, the co-deposition of Pb and Bi occurs. The correlation between the synthesis conditions and the chemical composition and microstructure of Bi films is discussed. Analysis of microstructural features revealed a change in the growth mechanism of Bi films from a columnar to a layered-granular form with an increase in the electrodeposition duration. This anomalous behavior is explained by the appearance of a strong Bi texture and the effects of grain coalescence during growth. Porosity studies have shown that Bi films have a closely-packed microstructure.