Electrodeposition of tin, copper and tin–copper alloys from a methanesulfonic acid electrolyte containing a perfluorinated cationic surfactant

• Published in: Surface & coatings technology 2008-01, Vol.202 (8), p.1339-1349
• Main Authors: Low, C.T.J., Walsh, F.C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Materials science; Metallic coatings; Metals. Metallurgy; Methanesulfonic acid; Perfluorinated cationic surfactant; Phase composition; Physics; Production techniques; Rotating electrodes; Surface microstructure; Surface treatment; Surface treatments; Tin–copper alloys; Voltammetry
• ISSN: 0257-8972; 1879-3347
• DOI: 10.1016/j.surfcoat.2007.06.032

Tin, copper and tin–copper alloys were electrodeposited from a methanesulfonic acid electrolyte containing a perfluorinated cationic surfactant at 296 K. The electrolyte composition was 0.02 to 0.05 mol dm − 3 SnSO 4, 0.02 to 0.2 mol dm − 3 CuSO 4, 12.5 to 15% vol MSA (1.9 to 2.3 mol dm − 3 CH 3SO 3H, pH < 1), 0.01 mol dm − 3 hydroquinone and 0.008 to 0.012% vol perfluorinated cationic surfactant. Electrodeposition was studied at a rotating disc electrode (RDE), a rotating cylinder electrode (RCE) and a rotating cylinder Hull (RCH) cell. Cyclic voltammetry and linear sweep voltammetry were used to investigate the current-potential relationships at static and rotating disc electrodes. Tin–copper alloys were deposited over a wide range of operating conditions to produce surface finishes from dark-grey (3 to 9 wt.% Cu), light-brown (50 to 60 wt.% Cu) and golden-yellow (70 to 80 wt.% Cu). The influences of copper(II) and surfactant concentration, applied current and surfactant adsorption were investigated; while the surface microstructure and composition of the deposits were studied.