Controlled electrochemical growth of silver microwires

Abstract

The cathodic deposition of silver whiskers as microwires in the electrochemical cell Ag/AgBr/Ag has been investigated. From growth experiments observed with an optical microscope, we conclude that the growth process occurs exclusively at the interface of the silver wires with the solid electrolyte. The basal contacts of the microwires show different morphologies without clear correlation to the substrate. The silver crystals often show a hexagonal morphology, but XRD gives no definite information on the structure of the wires. The measured exchange current density is in the order of 100 mA/cm2. The growth rate and the diameter of the microwires can be controlled by variation of the current.