Patent ID: 9017528
Filing Date: 2015-04-28
Classification: C25D

Abstract:
1. A process electrolyte replenishment module adapted to replenish ions in a process electrolyte in a substrate electrochemical deposition apparatus having a first anode and a first cathode, the process electrolyte replenishment module comprising: a frame offset from the chemical deposition apparatus; a process electrolyte recirculation compartment disposed in the frame configured so that the process electrolyte is recirculating between the replenishment module and the deposition apparatus; an anode compartment in the frame coupled to the process electrolyte recirculation compartment, the anode compartment having a second anode, that is a soluble anode, disposed therein for immersion in a secondary anolyte, and having a first ion exchange membrane separating the secondary anolyte from the process electrolyte; a buffer compartment in the frame coupled to the process electrolyte recirculation compartment, the buffer compartment having a buffer solution therein, and having a second ion exchange membrane separating the buffer solution from the process electrolyte; and a cathode compartment in the frame coupled to the buffer compartment, the cathode compartment having a second cathode disposed therein for immersion in a secondary catholyte, and having a third ion exchange membrane separating the secondary catholyte from the buffer solution.