Effect of the orientation of the initially formed grains on the final morphology of electrodeposited lead

Abstract

The processes of Pb electrodeposition under diffusion control were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the formed crystals. The orientation of grains of hexagonal shape formed in the initial stage of electrodeposition strongly affected the final morphology of the Pb crystals. The formation of Pb crystals of the different shape from the same initial shape was discussed in terms of the effect of orientation of initially formed grains on the type of diffusion control. A spherical diffusion layer was formed around the tip of the hexagonal-shaped grain oriented with its tip towards the bulk solution that led to the formation of elongated crystals in the growth process. On the other hand, a cylindrical type of diffusion was responsible for the growth of hexagonal-shaped grains oriented with the lateral side towards the bulk solution. Pb crystals with well-defined sides parallel to the surface area of the macroelectrode were formed under this type of diffusion.