The invention relates to the analysis of the performance and properties of electrochemical
processes, and specifically, to electrolytic solutions and electrode processes.
The invention discloses a device and a method for obtaining qualitative and quantitative
information for the kinetics of the electrode reactions, the transport processes,
the thermodynamic properties of the electrochemical processes taking place in the
cell. When a deposition reaction takes place, the device provides also valuable
information about the relationship between the current density and deposit properties
including but not limited to the deposit color, luster, and other aspects of its
appearance. The device disclosed herein typically is comprised of a multiplicity
of cathodic or anodic regions where one or more electrochemical reactions take
place simultaneously, but at a different rate. From the precisely measured segmental
currents one can obtain among other process properties: (1) An accurate relationship
between the deposit appearance and the current density. This relationship can be
used for process diagnostics, troubleshooting, control of concentrations, pH, and
additives and contaminants and for optimizing the operating conditions, including
the voltage, current, and circulation rate. (2) Quantitative determination of important
process parameters including but not limited to, kinetics (e.g., exchange current
density, cathodic and anodic transfer coefficients), transport (e.g. conductivity),
and thermodynamics (e.g., standard potential). A particularly attractive application
of the process is for the quantitative and qualitative processes of alloys plating
and for the determination of the relationship between the current efficiency and
the applied current density.
