Electrochemical deposition and characterization of Ni–P alloy thin films

Nickel phosphorus (Ni–P) alloy thin films were prepared by electrodeposition on pre-cleaned copper substrates using a potentiostatic cathodic electrodeposition method from sulfate electrolyte baths at various sodium hypophosphite (NaH2PO2) concentrations. X-ray diffraction studies reveal polycrystalline cubic alloys at low concentrations of phosphorus (< 13.5 at.%) and these transformed into amorphous alloys at higher concentrations. X-ray photoelectron spectra show the presence of Ni2p and P2p lines corresponding to their binding energies. Scanning electron microscopic studies reveal spherical shaped grains at low phosphorus contents and modules of cauliflower type morphology at higher phosphorus concentrations. The effects of phosphorus concentration on the crystal structure, composition and morphology are studied and discussed.