Microstructural heterogeneity in the electrodeposited Ni: insights from growth modes

Microstructures of electrodeposited Ni were studied from the perspective of growth modes during electrodeposition. The electrodeposited Ni had a heterogeneous microstructure composed of nanocrystalline- and microcrystalline-grains. Electron backscatter diffraction analyses showed that nanocrystalline- and microcrystalline-grains were preferentially oriented to specific planes. Secondary ion mass spectrometry also revealed that coarse-grained regions had higher S content than that of finer-grained regions. Hence, microstructural heterogeneity in electrodeposited Ni is reflected by the overlap of inhibited and free growth modes. Our discussion surrounding microstructural heterogeneity also provides insight into other electrodeposited nanocrystalline systems.