Electroplating Process - Overview, Advantage & Disadvantage, Uses, FAQs

The process of depositing a thin layer of metal over another metal object with the help of an electric current is called electroplating. Electroplating is mostly used to modify the surface properties of an object (for example, corrosion resistance, lubricity, and abrasion resistance), but it can also be used to add thickness or create objects by electroforming.

In this article, we cover the concept of electroplating which falls under the Electrochemistry chapter of class 12. This topic is important for boards and for the JEE Mains Exam, National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) point of view.

Electroplating has advantages in artificial jewelry that shines while it is new but then fades after a while.

Electroplating brass with copper is a good example of this. Brass and copper would be placed in the suitable electrolyte solution in this case. A copper sulphide-containing solution is preferred in this case. Electrodes and a battery would then be linked to each piece of metal. When the electricity is turned on, the copper molecules gently bond to the brass, forming a thin copper coating on the brass's surface.

The Anode and Cathode

The current is normally introduced from an external source in electroplating, the anode is the positive electrode and the cathode is the negative electrode. The electrochemical reduction reaction takes place at the cathode electrode. The electrochemical Oxidation reaction takes place at the anode. An anode and a cathode are used in the electroplating process. The metal dissolved from the anode can be plated onto the cathode in electroplating. Direct current is applied to the anode, which oxidizes and dissolves the metal atoms in the electrolyte solution. The dissolved metal ions are reduced at the cathode, and the metal is put on the product.

How Does Electroplating Work?

Let us use the example of a gold coating to further comprehend the concept. A layer of gold is to be electrodeposited on metallic jewelry in this case to improve its appearance. The gold plating is usually linked to the circuit's anode (+ve charged electrode), while the jewelry is kept at the cathode (-ve charged electrode). Both are immersed in an electrolytic bath (solution). A DC current is applied to the anode at this point, which oxidizes the gold atoms and dissolves them in the solution.

At the cathode, gold-dissolved ions are reduced and plated on the jewelry.

However, there are a number of significant parameters that determine the final plating. These are some of them:

• The distance between the cathode and anode

• The duration of electroplating

• Voltage level of current

• Chemical composition of the bath

• Temperature of the bath

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Silver Plating

The object to be plated is connected to the power supply's negative terminal. The positive terminal is connected with a bit of silver. A silver nitrate solution serves as the electrolyte. Silver can also be purified using this method. We can connect the positive terminal with an impure block and the negative terminal with a strip of pure silver. Electrolysis deposits pure silver at the negative terminal, leaving contaminants behind.

Copper plating

The object to be plated is connected to the power supply's negative terminal. The positive terminal is attached to a piece of copper. A copper sulfate solution serves as the electrolyte. Copper deposition, like silver plating, can be used to purify copper. Both electrodes are constructed of copper in this scenario. The negative electrode eventually becomes coated with pure copper as the impure positive electrode fades away, leaving the impurities behind.

Metals used for Electroplating

There are a variety of metals that are ideal for electroplating, and the good news is that we sell electroplating metals in a variety of shapes and sizes, including wire, powder, ingot, bars, and shot. Nickel, chromium, brass, cadmium, copper, gold, palladium, platinum, ruthenium, silver, tin, and zinc are all common metals used in the electroplating process.

Uses of electroplating

Electroplating in Aesthetics

Gold and silver, which are scarce and valuable metals, are common examples of this application.

Electroplating allows a small coating of these valuable metals to be deposited on a less expensive metal, giving the finished product a more appealing appearance at a reduced cost. This is one of the electroplating's most widely used commercial uses today. This method is employed in the creation of jewelry and other accessories.

• Electroplating in Commercial Application

For a smooth texture and look, automotive parts are electroplated with a thin layer of chromium. They are also done on a variety of other appliances that are customized to the buyer's specifications.

• Electroplating to Prevent Rusting

Because metals are susceptible to natural phenomena such as corrosion, a thin layer of non-corrosive metals over the corrosive one can extend the life of metals and appliances. Non-corrosive metals like copper, chromium, and nickel are commonly used to coat corrosive metals like steel and iron these days.

• Electroplating in the Conduction of Electricity

Good conductors of electricity, such as gold and silver, are employed in integrated circuits used in computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices. However, due to the expensive cost of these metals, a small amount of these costly high-quality metals can be coated as a thin layer over other metals to aid in electrical conduction.

• Electroplating To Reduce Friction

Apart from these applications, electroplating can be utilized in other areas where friction can be reduced by layering one metal over another.

• Protection from Radiation

Electroplating also helps to defend against radiation, abrasion, and a variety of other natural phenomena by adding desired characteristics to a metal surface that lacks them.

NCERT Chemistry Notes :

• NCERT notes Class 11 Chemistry
• NCERT notes Class 12 Chemistry
• NCERT Notes For All Subjects

Advantages of Electroplating

Many businesses have benefited for decades from electroplating's ability to boost the durability or improve the aesthetic of plated items.

• The automotive industry is one of the most common industrial applications of electroplating. Old parts, such as bumpers, grills, and tire rims, are commonly electroplated to make them look new.

• When corrosion versus protection is a concern in the workplace, electroplating is a preferred option.

• Because of its higher conductivity, silver electroplating is frequently employed on copper or brass connectors.

• Copper electroplating has a lot of uses, including the production of electronic equipment and components, as well as goods for the aerospace and defence industries.

Disadvantages of Electroplating

The waste generated during the electroplating process is difficult to dispose of in the environment since it poses a health risk.

• Making numerous coats of metal is a time-consuming process.

• Electroplating requires a lot of expensive equipment.

Also, check-

• NCERT Exemplar Class 11th Chemistry Solutions
• NCERT Exemplar Class 12th Chemistry Solutions
• NCERT Exemplar Solutions for All Subjects