Chemistry

Electroplating
Group Members: Cariel Muir, Rachael Stimpson, Fana Campbell
 Objectives
Define electroplating.
State the use of electroplating.
Explain the electroplating process.
List the types of electroplating.
Discuss the effects of electroplating.
List the factors that affect electroplating.
What is
Electroplating?
Electroplating Is the process by which a thin layer of
one metal is deposited onto another metal through the
process of electrolysis. Electrolysis refers to the
decomposition of a substance by account of an electric
current passing through it. The anode (only when it is
active) is a pure sample of the metal being used for
plating since it will decompose and surround the
cathode. The cathode is the object that is being
covered by the deposited metal.
How is electroplating
used ?
In the production of metals, like tin and zinc,
electroplating is used to coat and preserve the
original metal against corrosion or rusting.
Furthermore, it is used to make metal items more
appealing for aesthetic purposes, such as making
cheap metal appear to be more valuable. For
example, jewelry is frequently plated with gold or
silver. It can even be used for both protection and
splendor (eg. the rims of a car are electroplated for
shine and protection).
The electroplating process
For the process of electroplating to occur, only metals whose ions are below hydrogen in the
electrochemical series can be used for plating Silver, nickel, zinc, tin and chromium are the metals most
commonly used to plate copper, ion and steal objects.

NOTE!
The electrodes and the electrolyte must include the same metal. For example, to use a copper electrode,
there must be a copper-based electrolyte solution.

An electric current is passed through a solution called the electrolyte which allows for the passage of
electricity to run through it (electrolysis). This occurs in an electrolytic cell. Two electrodes are
connected to a power supply and are placed into the solution. When the power supply is tuned on, the
positive and active electrode (anode) will attract the negatively charged anions and the cathode will
attract the positively charged cations. The positively charged ions in the electrolyte will then attach
itself to the cathode creating the thin metal plating. As a result the positive ions are being reduced at
the negative cathode. However, since the anode is active, it will decompose releasing more ions into the
electrolyte (metal anode oxidses). Therefore, as the anode continues to decompose and release ions into
the solution, the ions will coat the cathode and create a greater plate coverage which increases the
mass of the cathode.
 Types of electroplating
Chromium Plating - The process of chromium plating involves using an electroplating technique to
apply a thin layer of chromium onto a substrate, such as metal or alloy. Chrome plating does more than
improve the appearance of the substrate. Furthermore, it improves the durability and hardness of the
surface, stops corrosion, and makes cleaning the component simpler.

Silver Plating - A chemical procedure that involves applying a thin layer of silver to anything composed
of another metal. An electrolyte solution that is made up of dissolved silver ions and other particular
substances, creates a solid layer of silver. This layer becomes chemically linked to the other material
once it adheres to the product's surface. Although plated silver is an inexpensive choice, there are a few
things to consider before plating: make sure your object is free of pits, cracks, or inclusions. This is
because they could lead to poor adhesion and/or plating voids. Additionally, ensure it is free of tensile
stress, which causes expansion, and hydrogen embrittlement, which causes degradation and corrosion.

Copper Plating - Copper plating refers to the process of submerging the substance to be plated into an
electrolyte bath, consisting of copper sulfate (CuSO4), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), and chloride ions (Cl-).
After applying a current, the copper ions from the copper sulfate (CuSO4) will discharge.
EFFECTS OF ELECTROPLATING FACTORS AFFECTING ELECTROPLATING

Examples of electroplating such as

Chrome Plating create waste The electrodes’ surface area
materials that are hazardous to Overall temperature
humans and animals if not handled The type of metal used
properly. The type of electrolyte used
Electrolysis may produce hydrogen The magnitude of the current applied
(H+) bubbles which become explosive
if not safely ventilated.
 Video + example

https://youtu.be/OxhCU_jBiOA

Cu2 (aq)+ + 2e- =Cu (s) reduction (when copper goes to the cathode)
Cu (s)= Cu2 (aq)+ + 2e oxidation ( when copper leave the anode to go into the solution)
 References
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxhCU_jBiOA

https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/atoms/files/guide_electroplating.pdf

https://byjus.com/chemistry/electroplating-
process/#:~:text=What%20factors%20affect%20electroplating%3F,magnitude%20of%20the%20applied%20current.

https://www.hylite.co.in/electroplating-in-mumbai/

https://leadrp.net/blog/the-basic-guide-of-chrome-plating/#What_Is_Chrome_Plating

https://www.ashevillemetalfinishing.com/2019/11/20/silver-
plating/#:~:text=Silver%20electroplating%20is%20a%20chemical,ions%20and%20other%20select%20compounds.

https://mocomi.com/electrolysis-and-electroplating/

https://study.com/learn/lesson/galvanic-vs-electrolytic-cells-summary-differences-diagrams.html

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3BuYay7reds/maxresdefault.jpg

https://www.dupont.com/blogs/copper-electroplating-
fundamentals.html#:~:text=The%20concept%20of%20copper%20electroplating,pre%2Dexisting%20metal%20seed%20lay
er.
Thank you
very much!