Fractal dimensionality of dendritic copper deposits in a galvanostatic electrolysis

Fractal properties of loose copper deposits plated on a cylindrical electro de under galvanostatic conditions are studied. When using the loose-deposit weight as a measure of a fractal set, the variation of the current efficie ncy for the metal during electrolysis is taken into account. Three methods for the calculation of fractal dimensionality from experimental data are pr esented. It is found that dendritic deposits possess fractal properties and have a fractal dimensionality of 2.5-2.8. The latter is independent of the method of its calculation, but is determined by the electrolysis condition s (depletion coefficient). Loose deposits lose fractal properties after dif fusion limitations are removed from the growth front.