Comparison of open porous copper structures obtained by the different current regimes of electrolysis

Formation of open porous copper structures by the electrodeposition processes in the hydrogen co-deposition range was considered. Morphologies of copper deposits obtained by the reversing current (RC) regimes at the same average current density but with the different the anodic current density/anodic pulse ratios were compared with those obtained by the pulsating current (PC) regime at the same average current density and in the constant galvanostatic mode at the current density which was equal to this average current density. The considerable increase of the specific surface area of the honeycomb-like structures, determined by the increase of number of holes, as well as by the decrease of both holes size and wall width among them, can be attained if the appropriate parameters of the RC regimes are applied. In this way, it is shown that the regime of reversing current (RC) is superior in the production of open porous structures suitable to be used as electrodes in many electrochemical devices in relation to other current regimes of electrolysis, such as the PC and the galvanostatic regimes.

► We compared copper deposits obtained by different current regimes of electrolysis.
► The regime of reversing current is compared with pulsating and galvanostatic regimes.
► Strong effect on hydrogen evolution reaction and morphology of copper structures.
► Reversing current regime is superior in relation to other regimes of electrolysis.