Pattern formation in electrodeposited silver-cadmium alloys

Electrochemical instabilities and potential oscillations with very high amplitude of up to about 800 mV are observed, which are connected with the simultaneous deposition of different phases of the alloy and intensive hydrogen evolution. The dependence of the potential oscillations on the electrolysis conditions is shown and discussed. A wide variety of spatio-temporal structures can be observed during electrodeposition of silver–cadmium alloys. The conclusion is made that the structures are possibly formed by periodical deposition of pure cadmium and a very well oriented Cd3Ag phase.