The influence of pH electrolyte on the electrochemical deposition and properties of nickel thin films

Ni thin films were electrodeposited on gold substrate from chloride solution with different pH at room temperature. The effect of electrolyte pH on Ni coatings was studied by using the cyclic voltammetry, the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray diffraction, and alternating gradient force magnetometer measurements. From electrochemical measurements, the onset potential for reduction of Ni was gradually shifted towards more cathodic scan with increase in pH; this is due to the protons in the case of low pH values and to the hydroxide ions in the case of higher pH values. The SEM study showed that a granular and compact structure of the electrodeposited Ni layers and the variation of film morphology with bath pH are established. The x-ray diffraction spectra revealed the formation of fcc structure Ni thin films with a preferential orientation along the Ni(111). The size of the deposited crystals in both the cases has been found to be in the range of 49-153 nm. Magnetic properties such as coercivity and saturation magnetization showed strong dependence on the electrolyte solution pH and consequently the crystallite size. Coercivity higher than 130-160 Oe was achieved for a pH value of 4 to 5. The differences observed in the magnetic properties were attributed to the structural changes caused by the electrolyte pH.