Effect of Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) Addition on the Morphology of Electrochemically Deposited Copper in a Nitrate Medium

Abstract

Copper electrodeposition in nitrate electrolytes under direct current is a controllable route for producing copper deposits and powders with diverse morphologies. The resulting morphology directly affects the processing and functional performance of copper powder in emerging applications. In this study, morphological changes of copper deposits and powders in a nitrate-based system were investigated by varying key parameters, including current density, temperature, copper-ion concentration, and the polymeric additive polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Finally, the morphology of copper electrodeposition in the nitrate medium was examined using SEM images.