The Rotating Cylinder Electrode (RCE) and its Application to the Electrodeposition of Metals

Abstract

The application of rotating cylinder electrodes (RCEs) to electrodeposition has progressed significantly over the last decade. New tools for theoretical and experimental investigations have been developed in academia and in industry, with some RCE devices being commercially developed. This paper reviews the continued application of RCEs to quantitative electrodeposition studies of single metals, alloys, and composite, multilayered, and nanostructured electrodeposits with a constant or controlled range of current densities along the RCE under turbulent flow conditions. Rotating cylinder electrode electrochemical reactors, enhanced mass transport, rotating cylinder Hull cell, and uniform and non-uniform current and potential distributions are considered. The applications of ultrasound, porous reticulated vitreous carbon cathodes, expanded metal/baffles, and jet flow around the RCE are also included. The effects of electrolyte flow and cathode current density on electrodeposition have been rationalized. Directions for future RCE studies are proposed.