An Approach to Synthesize Schiff Base Cobalt Complex with Different Shape by Electrochemical Deposition

Here we report a novel approach to synthesize Schiff base metal complex with different shape and size on conductive substrate by electrochemical deposition. Deposition can be microrod clusters or octahedral particles or spherical particles through different electrolytic experimental conditions. UV–visible spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry were used to study the mechanism of the electrodeposited process. The deposition was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high resolution mass spectrometer (HRMS), infrared spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The microrod clusters and octahedral particles/spherical particles are confirmed to be Schiff base cobalt complexes corresponding to CoL and H2CoL2, respectively (H2L: Bis[Salicylydene]-1,2-Iminophenylenediamine). A probably two-step mechanism of the electrodeposited process had been established and a three-dimensional nucleation model is proposed.