Modeling of metal electrodeposition at the nanoscale

Abstract

In this chapter, we give an overview of selected experimental and computer simulation literature research on thermodynamic modeling applied to the understanding of metal electrodeposition on metallic nanostructures. A brief survey on underpotential deposition, galvanic replacement, and dendrimer-encapsulated nanoparticles is given first. Focus is made on applications related to size and shape control and the formation of hollow, core/shell, and reversed nanoparticles. Then, a nanothermodynamic model is proposed, providing understanding on thephysics behind the electrodeposition problem. At the end of the chapter, we highlight the main conclusions drawn from the chapter and give some perspectives in advanced modeling of the present problem.