Electrochemical preparation of Fe–Mn alloy film in organic bath

Fe–Mn alloy films have been prepared by electrodeposition in an organic bath containing FeCl2 + MnCl2 in dimethyl formamide. The electroreduction of Mn(II) was irreversible and the diffusion coefficient of Mn(II) was calculated to be 8.0 × 10− 11 m2 s− 1 at 298 K. An amorphous film of Fe–Mn was obtained by potentiostatic electrolysis. The Mn content varied from 4.8 at.% to 72.3 at.% with increase in the applied cathodic potential. Scanning electron microscope investigation showed that the deposited film was homogeneous and consisted of spherical particles. Nano-sized pores were observed in the surface of these particles. After heat treatment at 773 K, large crystal grains formed and X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that solid solution of Mn in γ-Fe occurred. The alloying temperature of the Fe–Mn film was determined to be 1013 K using differential thermal analysis.