Effect of the solution composition and the applied potential on the kinetics of roughness relaxation at gold electrodes in slightly acid electrolytes

Abstract The roughness relaxation of thin columnar Au electrodeposits at constant potential and 25°C in 0.05 M NaF, 0.05 M KCl and 0.05 M K 2 SO 4 has been studied. These measurements were taken in the −0.6 to 0.8 V (vs Hg/Hg 2 SO 4 reference electrode) potential range. The kinetic data were obtained from the roughness factor decay over 5 × 10 4 s. The value of the surface diffusion coefficient D s of Au atoms was derived from the roughness decay law at constant potential and pH. At any potential, the value of D s increases in the order NaF 2 SO 4 2 SO 4 and NaF solutions, as the electroformation of AuOH species takes place, the effect of SO 4 2− and F − ions is no longer observed. In contrast, in 0.05 M KCl solution, the value of D s increases steadily as the applied potential is increased positively.