Metallic electrodes obtained by Laser-induced Thermionic Vacuum Arc

Magnesium-containing zinc (Mg: Zn) thin films were deposited using the Laser-Induced Thermionic Vacuum Arc (LTVA) technique and evaluated as metallic electrodes for optoelectronic and energy-storage applications. We characterized structural, compositional, electrical, electrochemical, and surface energy properties using XRD, SEM/EDX, XPS, four-point probe resistivity, capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements and contact angle analysis. The films exhibit a partially crystalline hexagonal P6 3 /mmc structure with a mean crystallite size of approximately 18 nm and an Mg dopant fraction of 2.5 at.%. The film resistivity of about 53.6 nΩ ·m is slightly lower than the bulk resistivity of metallic zinc, which is ρ=59.6 nΩ· m, while the resistivity slightly increased to ρ = 57.1 nΩ· m after the electrochemical test. The work function of Mg: Zn (4.27 eV) is marginally lower than that of pure Zn (4.3 eV), consistent with the low doping level. Preliminary electrochemical tests demonstrate reversible Zn²⁺ stripping–plating with a uniform electric-field distribution but are limited to a few cycles because of the metal film's low thickness. The low contact angle measured after the electrochemical tests indicates increased surface roughness, consistent with the AFM results. LTVA-deposited Mg: Zn thin films present low resistivity, smooth morphology, and stable electrochemical behavior, making them promising anodes for aqueous zinc-ion batteries.