Preferred orientation and morphology of electrodeposited iron from iron(II) chloride solution

The effects of each electrolytic condition on current efficiency, Vickers hardness, crystal structure and crystal morphology were studied with respect to the electrodeposited iron films obtained from iron(II) chloride solution. The temperature of the solution was varied from 20 to 60°C, the pH value of the solution varied from 0 to 2, and the applied current density varied from 5 to 100 mAcm −2. Higher current efficiency was obtained at a higher solution temperature, higher pH value of the solution and lower applied current density. The films thus obtained showed a lower Vickers hardness and a preferred orientation of the (110) plane. Lower current efficiency was obtained at a lower solution temperature, lower pH-value of the solution showed a higher Vickers hardness, and a preferred orientation of the (211) plane. It is thought that these tendencies are related to the contribution of the hydrogen evolution reaction as a side reaction.