Formation of a core/shell microstructure in Cu-Ni thin films

Electrodeposition of Cu-Ni thin films can result in phase separation characterized by the formation of nodular features that exhibit a uniform columnar core/shell structure with a copper-rich core and nickel-rich shell. Here, we show that the core/shell microstructure is the result of differences in the nucleation and growth rates of the two components. In the potential range where the core/shell structure is observed, copper deposition is fast, resulting in the formation of a relatively low density of large hemispherical islands. Nickel deposition is characterized by slower kinetics, resulting in the formation of a high density of small islands surrounding the copper islands. These results provide a basis for understanding the formation of this core/shell microstructure in binary alloy systems. (C) 2008 The Electrochemical Society.