Dendritic core–shell structure preparation by a facile consecutive electrochemical crystal growth method

Graphical abstract: Co-Cu dendritic micro/nanostructure is achieved via electrochemical crystal growth approach. Co, as the inner core structure, is endowed the dendritic shape by affording the large overpotential during the crystal growth process. The shell metal Cu grows onto the inner core template to realize the exquisite smooth external shape or super-dendrite at low or high overpotential. Highlights: ► Dendritic Co-Cu micro/nanostructure is prepared via the electrochemical approach. ► The inner core structure is endowed the dendritic shape by affording the large overpotential. ► Shell metal grows onto inner core template to realize smooth surface/super-dendrite at low/high overpotential. - Abstract: In this study, dendritic Co-Cu is prepared to illustrate a facile strategy to acquire bimetallic dendritic core–shell structure. The core and shell metals are both obtained by electrochemical crystal growth process. The leading parameter, overpotential, endows inner core dendritic shape by surpassing the critical value. Meanwhile, it also determines Cu shell morphology from flat surface to dendritic structure by adopting different value. The Cu dendrite on Co dendritic core constructs a super-dendrite, which is regarded as a higher class of hierarchical structure. Sophisticated techniques such as field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction are devoted to reveal the external morphology of the as-obtained material and verify the core–shell characteristic.