In situ monitoring Ni electrodeposition and stripping on gold electrode surface in a static magnetic field using an electrochemical quartz crystal impedance system

The processes of nickel electrochemical deposition and stripping on a gold electrode surface in a solution of low Ni2+ concentration with or without magnetic field were monitored in situ using an electrochemical quartz crystal impedance system (EQCIS). The effects of magnetic field on the piezoelectric quartz crystal (PQC) responses were investigated in air and in electrolytic solution. The PQC responses were monitored in four steps, namely, Ni electrodeposition and Ni magnetic activation; magnetically assisted Ni electrodeposition; Ni dissolution under open-circuit potential; Ni electro-stripping, respectively. From the electrochemical quartz crystal responses, it was observed that static magnetic field significantly affected the processes of nickel electrochemical deposition and stripping after multilayer Ni deposited on gold electrode surface. But the effects of magnetic field on the Ni electrodeposition on diamagnetic Au electrode were insensible at the initial stage. The experimental results also suggested that ferromagnetic metal–Ni could be magnetized, Ni electrodeposition rate was accelerated after multilayer Ni deposition on Au electrode, and the stripping rate of the deposited Ni was slowed down in the presence of magnetic field.