ИСТИНА

Of late years, studies on a new class of “green solvents”, the so-called deep eutectic solvents (DES), keep gaining ground. Owing to their unique set of physico–chemical properties similar to those of ionic liquids, DES are considered to be a promising medium for electrodeposition of metals, alloys, and semiconductor materials. DES are characterized by nonvolatility, nonflammability, high stability in air and in presence of water and thermal stability. Besides, they are noted for the simplicity of synthesis, low cost of components, and also biodegradability. Despite the fact that many publications have appeared in the recent several years on electrodeposition of metals and alloys in DES, the fundamentals of deposit nucleation and growth in this new electrochemical medium have hardly been studied as yet. This project is aimed at studying the regularities of formation of electrochemical deposits from DES on the example of silver electrodeposition on Pt and Au model single crystal substrates with a controlled surface structure (atomically smooth and/or with a controlled amount and types of structural defects). Besides, elaboration of the very silver electroplating process is a vital task, as the currently used aqueous solutions of electrolytes are toxic and environmentally unsafe. To achieve the main project goals, we propose to use a complex experimental approach, including the monitoring of formation of adsorption layers and growth of phase deposits by means of in situ scanning probe microscopy. Using basal and stepped single crystal planes as substrates for studies on Ag electrosorption (upd) and phase deposition in DES emphasize the novelty and uniqueness of this project. In the course of the project, we plan to study the effect of the substrate structure and material and also of the DES composition on formation of Ag submonolayer, 2D (including epitaxial) deposits and nanocrystallites on the electrode surface. Obtaining such data for the silver electrodeposition process from DES, owing to the potential commercial advantages of the latter, is vital indeed, but is also of considerable interest for the fundamental understanding of electrochemical processes at the DES|electrode interface.