Growth mechanism of MgB2 films in electrocrystallization process

The growth mechanism and morphology of MgB2 films grown on magnesium films by electrocrystallization technique were discussed. The current time transients (CTT) recorded for charge transfer reaction during growth of MgB2 films were used to infer the type (Instantaneous or Progressive) of growth mechanism. The CTT were also used to predict the morphology and features of the electrocrystallized MgB2 thin films and the results were corroborated with atomic force microscopy (AFM). Further, the effects of heat treatment on morphology, growth and surface roughness of the electrocrystallized MgB2 films were studied with AFM. The IR absorption studies were carried out to confirm the optimized heat treatment conditions for the formation of MgB2 superconducting phase, which superconducts below 34 K.