Electroplating
Electroplating
• A process of electrolysis in which a metal object is coated (plated)
with a layer of another metal
• Basic Rule:
- The object must be at the cathode
- The electrolyte must be a solution of a salt of metal M
- The anode is made of a strip of metal M
EXAMPLE
ELECTROPLATING OF SILVER
Silver metal is lost at the anode as Ag+ goes into
solution:
anode: Ag(s) ⟶ Ag+(aq) + e–
The mass of the cathode increases as Ag+ from the
solution are deposited onto the spoon:
cathode: Ag+(aq) + e– ⟶ Ag(s)
The net result is the transfer of silver metal
from the anode to the cathode. The quality of
the electroplated object depends on the
thickness of the deposited silver and the rate
of deposition.
Silver plating is a very popular choice for
many industries including medical,
electronics, telecommunications,
automotive, and many more. Silver
plating exhibits excellent anti-galling
properties, high lubricity, a wide operating
temperature range, good corrosion
resistance, and exceptional conductivity.
EPNS-Electroplated Nickel Silver
Made up of copper, zinc and nickel, no silver
Sources: Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (Pearson)
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry Coursebook
Chemistry for Cambridge IGCSE Coursebook 5th ed.
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