Nucleation and growth of copper on glassy carbon: Studies in extended overpotential interval

The nucleation and growth of copper crystals on a glassy carbon electrode are investigated at different constant overpotentials. Current transients are recorded and the number of copper nuclei is microscopically registered. The experimental data for the growth current are interpreted according to the theories of progressive and instantaneous nucleation and information is obtained on the stationary nucleation rate, the saturation nucleus number density and the exchange current density at the crystals–solution interface boundary.