Patent ID: 8980460
Filing Date: 2015-03-17
Classification: C09D,C25D

Abstract:
1. A method for improving surface smoothness during electrodeposition of a first conductive material (C1) on a substrate surface, the method comprising: providing an electrolyte solution comprising reactants from which C1 is synthesized and a soluble, surface-smoothing additive comprising cations of a second conductive material (C2), wherein cations of C2 have a) a standard electrical reduction potential that is greater than an electrochemical reduction potential of the reactants and (b) an activity in solution such that an effective electrochemical reduction potential of the cations of C2 in the solution is lower than the electrochemical reduction potential of the reactants; and applying an electrical potential that is less than the electrochemical reduction potential of the reactants and greater than the effective electrochemical reduction potential of the cations of C2, thereby reducing the reactants and forming C1 on the substrate surface.