Electrodeposition of nanoscale metals and semiconductors from ionic liquids

Abstract

In this paper we present a short review on the electrodeposition of metals and semiconductors from ionic liquids, viewed by in situ Scanning Tunnelling Microscopy. Due to their wide electrochemical windows ionic liquids give access to elements, that otherwise cannot be electrodeposited from aqueous or organic solutions, like e.g. light metals and many semiconductors. At the example of Al, Cu and Ge we give a short insight into the nanoscale processes during phase formation. The importance of ionic liquids for electrochemical nanotechnology will be shortly commented. © 2003 American Chemical Society.