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Advances in Electrodeposition of Thin Films and Alloys

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A Special Issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944) belonging to the section "Thin Films and Interfaces".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 December 2026 | Viewed by 6760

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Editors

Dr. Ivana Mladenović

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Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: thin films; material characterization; electrodeposition; composite coatings; mechanical properties; microhardness; adhesion; wettability; optimization; modeling

Dr. Nebojša Nikolić

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Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, Njegoševa 12, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
Interests: electrodeposition; morphology; structure; characterization; powders; thin films; coatings; hydrogen evolution; metal matrix composites
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Dear Colleagues,

Electrodeposition plays a crucial role in the production of thin films, alloys, and metal matrix composites (MMCs) and is a cost-effective and precise method for improving material properties. Some of its key applications include microtechnology and electronics, corrosion protection, energy storage and conversion, tribological applications, and wear-resistant coatings.

Materials of interest for this Special Issue include thin metal films, amorphous and nanocrystalline films, metal-based alloys, two-dimensional (2D) materials, transition metals and graphene, rare earth metal alloys, magnetic coatings, metal matrix composites (MMCs), hydride coatings, and laminates, as well as other types of materials that can be created by electrodeposition.

The optimization strategies that researchers and industry have focused on in recent years relate to the electrodeposition regime chosen, the optimization of electrodeposition parameters, the control of particle dispersion, post-treatments for films, etc. Statistical and mathematical techniques can also be used to optimize these processes. They help us understand the relationships between multiple input variables and their effects on the outcome, which is particularly useful for fine-tuning the deposition parameters used in MMC production.

The characterization of electrodeposited films is essential for understanding their structural, mechanical, electrical, optical, and functional properties. The characterization techniques most often used are XRD, SEM, AFM (structural and morphological analysis), EDS, XPS (chemical composition and elemental analysis), indentation tests, scratch tests, tribometry-wear tests, friction tests (mechanical and tribological properties), the four-point probe method (electrical properties), TGA, and DSC (thermal properties). The use of other techniques for the characterization of films is also welcome.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Ivana Mladenović
Dr. Nebojša Nikolić
Guest Editors

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Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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Keywords

thin films
electrodeposition
morphology
mechanical properties
MEMS
optimization

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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26 pages, 15987 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Thin Copper Foils: From Electrodeposition Conditions to Adhesion Performances

by Ivana O. Mladenović, Željko Radovanović, Dana G. Vasiljević-Radović, Rastko Vasilić, Miloš Vorkapić, Predrag Živković and Nebojša D. Nikolić

Materials 2026, 19(9), 1838; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19091838 - 29 Apr 2026

Viewed by 853

Abstract

Cathodic electrodeposition of copper on molybdenum and stainless-steel substrates has been investigated with the aim of examining their potential to produce thin copper foils (TCFs). Copper in the form of a thin film was electrodeposited galvanostatically from the acidic sulfate electrolyte without and with an addition of suppressor/activator additives, such as chloride ions, polyethylene glycol 6000 and 3–mercapto–1–propanesulfonic acid. The cathodes and electrodeposited Cu films were characterized by SEM, AFM, and XRD techniques, while the adhesion of Cu films, as a crucial parameter in the production of Cu foils, was estimated by a lab-made prototype of a bending test machine made by applying additive technology. The adhesion parameter named “critical cycle number” (n_c), which defines the minimal number of cycles leading to a delamination (separation) of the film from the cathode was used for assessing the adhesion features of the films. The easiest delamination, i.e., the smallest n_c, showed nanocrystalline films obtained with the addition of all additives, whereupon the values were significantly smaller than the values obtained for microcrystalline films obtained without and with a partial combination of the additives. The easy delamination of the nanocrystalline films indicated that both substrates have a high potential for application in the production of TCFs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electrodeposition of Thin Films and Alloys)

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25 pages, 4215 KB

Open AccessArticle

Colored Anodic Titania Thin Layers Involving Various Deep Eutectic Solvent Formulations—Evaluation of Corrosion Behavior

by Sabrina State (Rosoiu), Adrian-Cristian Manea, Oana Brincoveanu, Veronica Anastasoaie and Liana Anicai

Materials 2026, 19(6), 1087; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19061087 - 12 Mar 2026

Viewed by 577

Abstract

This paper reports initial experimental results related to the preparation of colored anodic titania thin layers using various deep eutectic solvent (DES)-based formulations. Electrolytes based on choline dihydrogen citrate–oxalic acid–ethylene glycol (1:1:1 molar ratio), choline chloride–oxalic acid (1:1 molar ratio) and choline chloride–lactic acid (1:2 molar ratio) eutectic mixtures were investigated. The anodization has been performed at constant voltage in a range of 10–100 V for various periods of time between 1 and 5 min at room temperature under mild stirring. A brief description of anodization procedures, as well as of some characteristics, from appearance and morphological viewpoints, is presented. A quantitative analysis of color characteristics in relation to the DES-based electrolyte and applied voltage using the CIELAB system is also discussed. The achieved chromatic scale follows this order of colors: golden—blue—light blue—light blue/green—pink—violet. This depends on the applied potential and the DES-based electrolyte. The films present a relatively high brightness and color saturation. The hue vs. anodization voltage diagrams suggest an almost linear dependence of the oxide growth measured against the applied voltage. The corrosion performance has been assessed through continuous immersion tests in (i) 0.5 M NaCl for 240 h and (ii) Hank’s biological solution for 96 h with intermediate visual examinations and recording corrosion potential, as well as potentiodynamic polarization curves and impedance spectra at open circuit potential. Different corrosion performances are discussed considering the aggressive medium involved and the used DES-based systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electrodeposition of Thin Films and Alloys)

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35 pages, 14838 KB

Open AccessArticle

Essential Oil Blends or Their Component Blends as Antimicrobial Compounds of Polysaccharide Coatings on Metallic Biomaterials

by Tomasz Cudak, Mikołaj Mielczarek, Aleksandra Fiołek, Jakub Marchewka, Maciej Sitarz, Kamil Drożdż, Katarzyna Biegun-Drożdż, Tomasz Gosiewski, Monika Brzychczy-Włoch and Tomasz Moskalewicz

Materials 2026, 19(4), 677; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19040677 - 10 Feb 2026

Viewed by 840

Abstract

The work provides novel insight into the development of advanced antibacterial surfaces using the combination of essential oils, cinnamon oil, thyme oil, and tea tree oil, as well as their active compounds, including cinnamaldehyde, thymol, and terpinene-4-ol, embedded in the chitosan and sodium alginate matrix. All coatings obtained in a two-stage electrophoretic deposition process on stainless steel and titanium substrates were characterized by high adhesion strength. The microstructural differences between the coatings were mainly related to the size and location of the additives. Structural investigation showed the impact of individual oil components on intermolecular bonds between polysaccharide chains and the formation of molecular interactions in a specific spatial conformation. The surface of all coatings was minimally rough and had a hydrophilic character. A clear matrix-dependent trade-off between antibacterial efficacy and cytocompatibility was observed: alginate-based coatings achieved strong anti-Staphylococcus aureus activity (2.81 log CFU/mL) at the expense of increased cytotoxicity, while chitosan-based systems provided a more favorable cytocompatibility profile, maintaining cell viability above 70% for selected formulations. This work provides insight into the development of natural antibacterial surfaces by the combination of active compounds and shows the distinctions on many levels between the coatings with various polysaccharide matrices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electrodeposition of Thin Films and Alloys)

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15 pages, 5573 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Microstructure and Properties of Hard Anodic Oxide Coatings on 5754 Aluminium Alloy Modified with Al₂O₃, PTFE and CaCO₃ Nanoparticles

by Anna Kozik, Marek Nowak, Kamila Limanówka and Anna Góral

Materials 2026, 19(2), 378; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19020378 - 17 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 744

Abstract

Hard anodic oxide coatings on aluminium have long been used to enhance surface functionality. However, increasing industrial demands are driving the need for coatings with superior hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance and self-lubricating properties. Due to their porous structure, anodic oxide coatings can be modified by incorporating various nanoparticles. The properties of the modified coatings depend on both the type of nanoparticles used and the method employed to incorporate them. In this study, anodic oxide coatings were produced using direct and duplex methods on a semi-industrial scale to enable process control and potential industrial implementation. The coatings were modified with hard (Al₂O₃) and soft (CaCO₃, PTFE) nanoparticles in order to customise their functional properties. Their microstructure and chemical composition were characterised by SEM and TEM. Their microhardness, abrasion resistance and electrochemical behaviour were also evaluated. Among the tested production methods and methods for modifying nanoparticles, the duplex process incorporating Al₂O₃ particles proved to be the most promising. Its optimisation resulted in coatings with a microhardness of 430 HV0.05 and a mass loss of 9.4 mg after the Taber abrasion test, demonstrating the potential of this approach for industrial applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electrodeposition of Thin Films and Alloys)

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11 pages, 4227 KB

Open AccessArticle

Electrochemical Urea Oxidation on Porous Ni and Ni–M (M = Ir, Pt) Electrodes Obtained via Molten-Salt Treatment Technique

by Dawid Kutyła, Michihisa Fukumoto, Hiroki Takahashi, Ryuu Takahashi, Katarzyna Skibińska and Piotr Żabiński

Materials 2025, 18(22), 5069; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18225069 - 7 Nov 2025

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1356

Abstract

Porous Ni, Ni–Ir, and Ni–Pt electrodes were prepared on Ni substrates by molten-salt Al co-deposition followed by dealloying. SEM/EDS and XRD confirmed a Raney-type porous network with Ir or Pt present across the layer. A urea oxidation reaction (UOR) was tested in 1 M NaOH + 0.33 M urea by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry at +0.40 V vs. SCE (60 min). Smooth Ni showed near-zero current. Porous Ni resulted in ~11 mA cm⁻² initially and ~9 mA cm⁻² after 60 min. Porous Ni–Ir started at ~7 mA cm⁻² and fell to ~2 mA cm⁻² within 5 min, indicating fast deactivation, likely due to Ir-oxide formation that suppresses the Ni²⁺/Ni³⁺ redox couple. Porous Ni–Pt remained at ~11 mA cm⁻² over 60 min, consistent with a stable Ni–Pt effect in which Pt aids urea adsorption/activation while Ni provides the redox path for oxidation. Overall, Pt improves UOR performance, whereas Ir lowers it under these conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electrodeposition of Thin Films and Alloys)

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Review

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28 pages, 1455 KB

Open AccessReview

From Electrolyte to Alloys: Electrodeposition of Rare Earth Element-Based Thin Films—State of the Art

by Ewa Rudnik

Materials 2026, 19(7), 1350; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma19071350 - 28 Mar 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 968

Abstract

The electrodeposition of rare earth metal alloys has attracted considerable interest, not only due to the challenges associated with the reduction in metal ions, but also because of their unique material properties and promising technological applications. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the state-of-the-art in the electrochemical deposition of these alloys, focusing on various electrolytic systems, including aqueous solutions, organic molecular solvents, ionic liquids, and deep eutectic solvents. Despite inherent problematic factors such as low reduction potentials, competing hydrogen evolution reactions, and difficulties in controlling metal formation, recent advancements have enabled improved control over film formation, typically through the induced codeposition of lanthanides with iron-group metals. The influence of key factors, such as electrolyte composition and current/potential modes, on alloy codeposition, elemental and phase composition, structure, and deposition efficiency is discussed. The magnetic properties, electrocatalytic behavior, and corrosion resistance of the deposited films are also shown, highlighting their relevance for high-performance applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electrodeposition of Thin Films and Alloys)

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