If an electric DC current is applied to an electrolyte, the positivly charged metal ions get deposited at the catode. Such deposits are best studies in quasi two-dimensional cells as the one described in Figure on the right side: Two metal wires, which also serve as the electrodes, separate two glass plates. The gap between these two plates is filled with the electrolyte in which the the electrodeposition takes place. Depending on the type of metal, the ion concentration, and the applied potential these deposits can grow in various morphologies, the figures below give three examples. The simple experimental setup together with the richness of growth morphologies makes electrodeposition a good testbed for theories of crystal growth and pattern formation at interfaces.
