Two-dimensional interfacial electrodeposition of silver is studied
under alternating square-wave electric
potential conditions, at the water/dichloromethane interface. The
overall rate of growth is found to increase
with frequency. The deposit's morphology also depends strongly on
the frequency: at ≤10 Hz compact
deposits are formed while at 1−10 kHz highly ramified structures
develop, the branches in which tend
to broaden out at higher frequencies. At ∼100 Hz a highly
disordered growth is observed. A novel
pulsating
behavior of the deposit size is observed, with alternating contractions
and growth phases. The contractions
are attributed to a mechanical compaction of the newly-formed deposit,
driven by the fast changes in
surface tension due to the voltage variation. The mechanical
oscillations induce hydrodynamic stirring
in the solution, affecting the mass-transport of the reacting silver
ions to the electrode, and, consequently,
the rate of growth and morphology of the deposit.