Electrochemical Deposition of Cobalt onto the Surface of Copper Using a Choline Chloride-Based Ionic Liquid

This study involved the deposition of black cobalt onto the surface of a copper substrate using a choline chloride-based ionic liquid. The solution used for electro-deposition contained a 2:1 molar ratio of ethylene glycol and choline chloride, containing CoCl2. Depositions were performed for 30 minutes, with the solution kept at a constant temperature of 70⁰C. The black Co coating on the surface of the Cu substrate was confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). This ionic liquid-based electrochemical deposition process could be used as an inexpensive method for solar power generation.