Formation of binary and ternary metal deposits on glass–ceramic carbon electrode surfaces: electron-probe X-ray microanalysis, total-reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy study

The features of the formation of binary and ternary alloys during the electrochemical deposition and co-deposition of copper, cadmium and lead from aqueous solutions on disc glass–ceramic carbon electrode surfaces were studied by electron-probe X-ray microanalysis, total-reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The macroscopic properties of electrodeposits such as morphology, lateral distribution of the elements along the disc electrode surface and depth distribution of the elements in the electrodeposit bulk were established. The mechanisms of metal nucleation and growth of thin films of electrodeposits were discussed.