The effect of magnetic fields on the electrodeposition of CoFe alloys

The effect of a uniform magnetic field with a flux density up to 1 T and different configurations relative to the electrode surface, on the electrodeposition of Co, Fe and CoFe alloys from acidic sulphate electrolytes has been investigated. It was found that a magnetic field applied parallel to the electrode surface increases the limiting current density and deposition rate due to the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD)-effect caused by the Lorentz force. No significant changes of the limiting current density and deposition rate with a magnetic field applied in the perpendicular to electrode configuration were observed. But in this configuration desorption of hydrogen was found to be supported by a magnetic field. The chemical composition of the deposited alloys was found to be unaffected by the magnetic field. The deposition of CoFe at the highest applied potential (−1600 mVMSE) was found to be anomalous. At this potential the increase of the interface pH value is sufficient for hydroxyl species formation.