Abstract
Studies on the formation of ordered structures by oscillatory electrodeposition can be divided into two groups; one is treating with the formation of layered structures and the other the formation of dendrites. In part I, we surveyed recent studies on the former group. Here we review on the latter group. The formation of dendrites is reported in various fields such as vacuum deposition and crystallization under super-cooling or super-saturation conditions, as well as the electrodeposition, and explained either in terms of diffusion-limited-aggregation (DLA) or Mullins-Sekerka (MS) instability mechanisms. Recently, we have found that oscillatory electrodeposition of tin (Sn) under current-controlled conditions produces dendrites with a highly ordered latticework structure lying vertical to the electrode surface. This result cannot be explained by the DLA or MS-instability model alone. A combination with another proper mechanism, i.e., an autocatalytic passivation mechanism, has to be taken into account. The generality of the model has been confirmed in the systems of zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) electrodeposition. The mechanism is quite unique and indicates high potential of producing ordered micro- or nano-structures that can never be produced by other methods.
