Magnetic field assisted electrodeposition of nano-structured metal layers – does it work?

Magnetic fields are a beneficial tool for controlling the mass transport during electrodeposition processes and could possibly be used for improving the manufacturing of nanostructured metal layers. Recently, we found that the local electrolyte flow near ferromagnetic surface elevations of mm size driven by the Lorentz force and the magnetic gradient force can indeed promote their growth, if the magnetic field is oriented perpendicular to the working electrode. To explore the prospects of magnetic fields towards smaller conical structures, we perform experimental and numerical studies on the template-free electrodeposition of conically structured nickel layers, thereby including the discussion of global cell flows.