Electroplating
Electroplating
Electroplating (pronunciation: /ˈɛlɛktrəʊˌpleɪtɪŋ/) is a process that uses an electric current to reduce dissolved metal cations so that they form a thin coherent metal coating on an electrode. The term is also used for electrical oxidation of anions on to a solid substrate, as in the formation of silver chloride on silver wire to make silver/silver-chloride electrodes.
Etymology
The term "electroplating" comes from the words "electro", referring to electricity, and "plating", referring to the application of a surface layer. It was first used in the 19th century when the process was developed.
Process
Electroplating is performed by placing a metal object into a solution of a metal salt. The object serves as the cathode and a bar of the metal to be plated serves as the anode. When an electric current is passed through the system, metal ions in the solution are reduced at the cathode and deposited onto the object.
Applications
Electroplating is widely used in various industries for coating metal objects with a thin layer of a different metal. The layer of metal deposited has some desired property, which the object lacks. For example, gold plating is used in the manufacture of jewelry.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Electroplating
- Wikipedia's article - Electroplating
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