Direct numerical simulation of nucleation and three-dimensional, diffusion-controlled growth on disk microelectrodes

Chronoamperometric studies of nucleation and growth on disk microelectrodes are simulated for the case of instantaneous nucleation followed by diffusion-controlled growth. In addition to current-transient results, the potential impact of the electrode-edge effect on the particle-size statistics is shown. A dimensionless analysis of the problem is also given, illustrating the importance of the product of electrode surface area and nucleus density on the chronoamperometric response. Simulation results are compared to a previously derived theory, showing the limited conditions under which the theory should be applicable.