CuZn dendritic alloys: their template-free electrochemical preparation and morphology-dependent wettability

In this paper, we report a preparation of CuZn dendritic microstructures through a tunable template-free electrochemical approach. By simply tunning the applied depositing current, the morphology of the product can be well controlled. The growth mechanism of CuZn dendritic alloys was also verified. The experimental results suggest that the growth of the grass-like structures obtained at 5 mA is driven by diffusion limited aggregation, while the driving force of the formation of CuZn dendrites obtained at 10 mA and 15 mA is gas bubbling worked as the dynamic template. The contact angle test shows the modified CuZn dendritic products possess superhydrophobic property. Additionally, through annealing of CuZn alloys in argon as the protective gas, derivative Cu/ZnO composite materials can be produced.