Direct current electrophoretic deposition (DC-EPD) of ligand-free metal nanoparticles in a flow-through reactor is studied by analyzing the educt colloid and the outflow of the flow through chamber while the concentration of the colloid and the strength of the electric field is varied. Metal nanoparticles synthesized by pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) are used to ensure that the colloidal nanoparticle surface is free of any ligands and that the colloid's stability and movement in an electric field is solely influenced by electrostatic forces. Electrophoretic mobility and deposition kinetics of these ligand-free nanoparticles on plain surfaces are examined for different electric field strengths. Additionally, a continuous liquid flow DC-EPD process is presented and optimized regarding deposition rate, colloid stability, and liquid flow rate. The reported parameter window for high deposition rates of nanoparticles without a negative impact on the colloid, allows to define an efficient stationary EPD process suitable for high throughput applications.Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is a process in which charged colloidal nanoparticles are guided by an applied electric field in order to adsorb suitable particles on an adsorbant substrate. An often-used application is the deposition of nanoparticles to create nano-and microstructures. 1 Electrophoretic deposition generally requires a system containing two electrodes. 2 Charged particles move in liquid in the direction of the oppositely charged electrode. During EPD, electrophoresis of charged particles in solution is followed by adsorption or assembling of particles on the oppositely charged electrode. [2][3][4] This electrode is also the desired product of the EPD-based nanostructuring, e.g. for use as a medical device like a nanostructured neural electrode. 5 EPD is a relatively simple and cost efficient technique. Therefore, it is highly suitable for coatings of a broad range of materials e.g. metals or biomaterials. 5-9 As the applied electric field is directed perpendicularly to the curved surface of a shaped target and the particles follow this direction (with some limitations), EPD is predestined for controlled and fast coating of 3-dimensional materials. 10 Since first experiments in the field of electrophoresis were performed by Bose in 1740 11 the process of EPD was studied by several researchers (which is reviewed elsewhere). 1 The first study concerning the rate of nanoparticle deposition on a substrate was investigated by Hamaker in 1940. 12 Since then EPD has been established as a reliable and promising application technique. [13][14][15] Despite these different studies on the field of EPD there is still a need for a better understanding of the process itself. As a consequence, a suitable model system for EPD is desirable.EPD of nanoparticles is often carried out with a variety of different surfactants or ligands like citrate, polymers or other additives, which may, at least partially, block the particle's surface. 7,16 The approach in this work i...