Phenomenon of phase formation via a supercooled liquid state stage in metals being electrodeposited

Purpose. Presentation of a previously unknown phenomenon of phase formation via a supercooled liquid state stage in metals being electrodeposited discovered by the author. Findings. A brief overview of the existing views of phase formation in metals during their electrodeposition is given. Formula of the scientific discovery entitled “Phenomenon of phase formation via a supercooled liquid state stage in metals being electrodeposited” is presented and new conception of phase formation in metals being electrodeposited on the its basis is offered. The essence of the discovered phenomenon consists in the fact that during the electrochemical deposition of metal in aqueous solution on a solid cathode the appearance of highly supercooled metallic liquid in the form of numerous liquid clusters of atoms, being formed in an avalanche-like manner at different places near the cathode or the growing deposit, and its extremely fast solidification at the deposition temperature in the form of a crystalline, amorphous or quasicrystalline phase occur. The found phenomenon is caused by very fast (explosive) nature of metal precipitation due to the chain reaction of the electrochemical evolution of atoms and transition of atomic clusters from liquid state to the more stable solid one. Numerous experimental findings are presented to prove the existence of the phenomenon of phase formation via a supercooled liquid state stage in metals being electrodeposited. Originality. The discovered phenomenon makes fundamental changes in the existing conceptions of phase and structure formation in metals during their electrochemical deposition and lays the foundations for creation of an essentially new electrocrystallization theory. Practical value. The found phenomenon determines new directions for the producing of electrocoatings with improved properties and provides a scientific basis for the development of advanced technologies to electrochemical synthesize new types of film materials having unique properties.