A Review of the Fabrication of Pinhole-Free Thin Films Based on Electrodeposition Technology: Theory, Methods and Progress
Pinhole defects in thin films can significantly degrade their physical and chemical properties and act as sites for electrochemical corrosion. Therefore, the development of methods for the preparation of pinhole-free films is crucial. Electrodeposition, recognised for its efficiency and cost-effecti...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2024-11-01
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| Series: | Molecules |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/29/23/5615 |
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| author | Zike Gao Yuze Jiang Yao Meng Minshu Du Feng Liu |
| author_facet | Zike Gao Yuze Jiang Yao Meng Minshu Du Feng Liu |
| author_sort | Zike Gao |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Pinhole defects in thin films can significantly degrade their physical and chemical properties and act as sites for electrochemical corrosion. Therefore, the development of methods for the preparation of pinhole-free films is crucial. Electrodeposition, recognised for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, shows great potential for applications in electrochemistry, biosensors, solar cells and electronic device fabrication. This review aims to elucidate the role of nucleation and growth models in understanding and optimising the electrodeposition process. Key parameters, such as crystal structure, orientation, surface morphology and defect control, are highlighted. In addition, the causes of pinhole defects, the effects of impurities and the potential and electrolyte composition on the deposited films are discussed. In particular, methods for minimising pinhole defects and two exemplary cases for a compact layer in relatively large-scale perovskite solar cells and nano-scale ultramicroelectrodes are discussed, exploring the influence of surface morphology, thickness and fabrication size under current common film preparation experiments. Finally, the critical aspects of controlled preparation, theoretical and technological advances, and the ongoing challenges in the field are provided. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-41e10bb798e94231a851f20568c903ea |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1420-3049 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-11-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Molecules |
| spelling | doaj-art-41e10bb798e94231a851f20568c903ea2025-08-20T01:55:27ZengMDPI AGMolecules1420-30492024-11-012923561510.3390/molecules29235615A Review of the Fabrication of Pinhole-Free Thin Films Based on Electrodeposition Technology: Theory, Methods and ProgressZike Gao0Yuze Jiang1Yao Meng2Minshu Du3Feng Liu4School of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, ChinaSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, ChinaShaanxi Huaqin New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., Xi’an 710119, ChinaSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, ChinaSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, ChinaPinhole defects in thin films can significantly degrade their physical and chemical properties and act as sites for electrochemical corrosion. Therefore, the development of methods for the preparation of pinhole-free films is crucial. Electrodeposition, recognised for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, shows great potential for applications in electrochemistry, biosensors, solar cells and electronic device fabrication. This review aims to elucidate the role of nucleation and growth models in understanding and optimising the electrodeposition process. Key parameters, such as crystal structure, orientation, surface morphology and defect control, are highlighted. In addition, the causes of pinhole defects, the effects of impurities and the potential and electrolyte composition on the deposited films are discussed. In particular, methods for minimising pinhole defects and two exemplary cases for a compact layer in relatively large-scale perovskite solar cells and nano-scale ultramicroelectrodes are discussed, exploring the influence of surface morphology, thickness and fabrication size under current common film preparation experiments. Finally, the critical aspects of controlled preparation, theoretical and technological advances, and the ongoing challenges in the field are provided.https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/29/23/5615thin filmselectrodepositionpinhole-freedefectsnucleation and growthelectrode |
| spellingShingle | Zike Gao Yuze Jiang Yao Meng Minshu Du Feng Liu A Review of the Fabrication of Pinhole-Free Thin Films Based on Electrodeposition Technology: Theory, Methods and Progress Molecules thin films electrodeposition pinhole-free defects nucleation and growth electrode |
| title | A Review of the Fabrication of Pinhole-Free Thin Films Based on Electrodeposition Technology: Theory, Methods and Progress |
| title_full | A Review of the Fabrication of Pinhole-Free Thin Films Based on Electrodeposition Technology: Theory, Methods and Progress |
| title_fullStr | A Review of the Fabrication of Pinhole-Free Thin Films Based on Electrodeposition Technology: Theory, Methods and Progress |
| title_full_unstemmed | A Review of the Fabrication of Pinhole-Free Thin Films Based on Electrodeposition Technology: Theory, Methods and Progress |
| title_short | A Review of the Fabrication of Pinhole-Free Thin Films Based on Electrodeposition Technology: Theory, Methods and Progress |
| title_sort | review of the fabrication of pinhole free thin films based on electrodeposition technology theory methods and progress |
| topic | thin films electrodeposition pinhole-free defects nucleation and growth electrode |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/29/23/5615 |
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