Validated 3D alloy plating simulations for porous structures based on the multi-ion transport and reaction model

In recent decades, both Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Elsyca have independently developed multiple software tools for simulating Multi-Ion Transport and Reaction (MITRe) models. Originally utilized by VUB for corrosion-related simulations, the MITRem code has been revitalized under the NICKEFFECT project. It is now geared towards microscopic 3D electrodeposition simulations of porous structures. Additionally, various single-metal and alloy plating processes have been successfully modelled.

 

The workflow for MITRe model simulations involves several key steps. Initially, there’s a need to identify the relevant species present in the electrolyte, followed by establishing a plausible electrode reaction mechanism. Subsequently, obtaining relevant kinetic parameters for the electrode reactions involved in the plating process is essential. Within the framework of the NICKEFFECT project, this was accomplished for a nickel alloy plating process of interest by retrofitting polarization curves using Elsyca PIRoDE software. These curves were based on polarization experiments conducted at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and VUB.

 

The final stage involves conducting MITRe simulations for a given geometrical model of the porous micro-structure and a specific set of process parameters. The simulation results for the nickel alloy plating process accurately mirrored the plating performance observed in samples of cloth fiber structures processed in CIDETEC laboratories. This successful validation of the MITRe model opens up avenues for its use as a fast and accurate prediction tool to evaluate various porous structures and different process conditions in conjunction with plating processes of interest.

 

It’s noteworthy that the application of these advanced MITRe models to complex 3D micro-porous structures represents a significant advancement beyond state-of-art in numerical modeling of plating processes.