Influence of Supporting Electrolyte LiClO₄ on Synthesis of Film Containing CrMnFeCoNi by Electroplating in Organic Solvent

Abstract

Two films containing CrMnFeCoNi were electroplated on a copper plate in an organic solvent of DMF (N, N-dimethylformamide) -CH 3 CN (acetonitrile) with and without a LiClO 4 supporting electrolyte. Their surface morphologies, components, and crystal structures were analyzed using SEM, XRD, EDS, TOF-SIMS, and TEM. Both films contained large amounts of oxygen and carbon, irrespective of presence or absence of LiClO 4 . Film A obtained in solution without LiClO 4 was about 0.5 μm thick, with uniform distributions of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni, containing more Ni than others. An amorphous structure mixed with nanocrystals was detected in film A. Film B obtained in solution with LiClO 4 was about 3.6 μm thick, with an inner layer, an intermediate layer, and an outer layer. Lithium oxide in the inner layer and lithium oxide / carbonate in the outer layer were detected. The uniform distributions of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni were found mainly in the intermediate layer. Film B, which is delaminated easily from copper in water, is unstable when exposed to electron irradiation.