Abstract
The effect of varying concentrations of Al3+ on the morphology and current efficiency of electrodeposited nickel from an acid-sulfate electrolyte was studied. Concentrations of Al3+ of 20 to 100 ppm significantly degraded the nickel-cathode morphology and current efficiency. However, it was found that higher concentrations of Al3+, in the range of 1 to 5 g/L, depending on the electrolyte parameters and operating conditions, improved the deposit morphology compared to deposition from a pure electrolyte. However, the current efficiency remained low. Physical characterization of the nickel revealed that a smoother, more uniform surface resulted from deposition in the presence of 1 g/L or greater of Al3+. Impedance analysis indicated the presence of an inhibiting layer on the cathode when low concentrations of Al3+ were present. Concentrations of Al3+ greater than 1 g/L appeared to modify this layer and the nickel-deposition mechanism, allowing improved nickel morphology and structure.
Recommended Citation
M. Holm and T. J. O'Keefe, "The Anomalous Behavior of Al³⁺ in Nickel Electrowinning from Sulfate Electrolytes," Metallurgical and Materials Transactions B: Process Metallurgy and Materials Processing Science, vol. 31, no. 6, pp. 1203 - 1211, Springer, Jan 2000.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s11663-000-0007-1
Department(s)
Materials Science and Engineering
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
1073-5615
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2024 Springer, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 2000
