Influence of Additives on the Speciation, Morphology, and Nanocrystallinity of Aluminium Electrodeposition

The effects of various additives, including alkali metal chlorides, rare earth chlorides, small organic molecules, and surfactants on the electrodeposition of aluminium were investigated. The analytical techniques of cyclic voltammetry, potentiostatic coulometry, scanning electron microscope, and X-ray diffraction were applied to determine the speciation, morphology, and nanocrystallinity. It was found that additives significantly influence the morphology and grain parameters of the aluminium deposits. Inorganic additives and macromolecular surfactants play a prominent role in altering the speciation of aluminium. Small organic molecules (including surfactants) with simple structures have almost no effect on the aluminium separation process, but have a role in densification and homogenisation. In addition, the grain size can be adjusted after adding various additives, and then nanocrystallinity can be achieved. In conclusion, the effect of additive on the aluminium deposit can be predicted by cyclic voltammetry, which is a clue for smart-design on technological conditions of aluminium electrodeposition.