Magnetic field effects on the electrodeposition of CoNiMo alloys

In this work we have examined the influence of applying homogeneous magnetic field (MF) up to 1.2T, on Cobalt- Nickel-Molybdenum (CoNiMo) alloys electrodeposition from citric bath. The surface morphology, chemical composition and the crystallographic texture has been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray composition mapping and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The mass transport behaviour during the electrodeposition process has been examined through the polarization curves and electrochemical impedance methods. As expected, under MF control an enhancement in the mass transport rate was observed leading to grains refinement and homogeneous distribution of the Co, Mo and Ni atoms in the obtained CoNiMo films. These findings highlight the synergistic combination of Ni, Co and Mo by promoting the MHD convection due to the Lorentz force acting during the Ni(II) and Co(II) ions reduction.