Isolation of competing morphological patterns during microfluidic electrodeposition: Experimental confirmation of theory

Small disturbances at an interface can lead to well-defined patterns in many systems. However, nonlinear interactions obscure the dominant wavelength instability pattern of diffusion-limited systems, which has limited study these The design a microfluidic cell that mitigates effects is presented, enabling enhanced diffusional and quasi-1D electrodeposition on cathode. These cells, operating small overpotentials, were able isolate morphological during electrodeposition. An automated image analysis routine developed convert into height profile objectively extract wavelengths composing pattern. Although multiple wavelengths, including harmonics, observed pattern, custom, directed filter was applied across spectrum identify noise select from nearly all experiments within 5% theoretical two-thirds 1%.