Example of Electrolysis :

Electrolysis of copper sulphate solution using copper electrodes :

Types of Electroplating:

 Cadmium
 Copper
 Gold
 Hard Chrome
 Nickel
 Silver
 Tin
 Tin-Lead
 Zinc
 Zinc-Iron
 Black Nickel
 Black Chrome

Features of Electroplating:

 Corrosion resistance
 Wear Resistance
 Appearance
 Lubricity
 Solderability

Applications for Electroplating:

  Military weaponry
 Medical diagnostic instruments
 Optics
 Tools and dies
 Aircraft components
 Machine components
 Electronics & computer devices
 Enclosures, chassis and heat sinks
 Mechanical assemblies

Electroplating with Nickel

 Electroplating is the application of electrolytic cells in which a thin layer of metal is deposited onto an
electrically conductive surface.
 Nickel electroplating is a technique of electroplating a thin layer of nickel onto a metal object.
 The nickel layer can be decorative, provide resistance against corrosion and wear or can be used to
build-up worn or undersized parts for salvage purposes.  

Reduction (At cathode) Oxidation (at anode)

Ions formed: Ni , H 2+ +
Ions formed: SO , OH
4
2- –

Preferential discharge of: Ni 2+

Ni atoms lose electrons to form Ni 2+

Ni (aq.) + 2e  Ni (s)

2+ –→
Ni (s) – 2e  → Ni
– 2+
 Nickel gets deposited on article.
Ni ions are formed
2+ 

Example, Nail

Electroplating with silver

 Silver plating refers to the process of covering a conductive surface with silver to prevent it from
corrosion while adding a lustrous shine to it.
 Uses of silver plating:
 Ornamentation, adds polish to the surface
 Improves solderability by hardening the surface
 Inhibits corrosion
 Reduces friction
 Good for altering conductivity and provides a shield against radiation

Reduction (At cathode) Oxidation (At anode)

Ions formed: Ag , Na , H
+ + +
Ions formed: OH , CN – –

Preferential discharge of: Ag +

Ag atoms lose electrons and become Ag +

Ag (aq.) + e  → Ag (s)
+  –
Ag (s) – e  Ag –→ +

Silver is deposited on article

Silver ions enter solution at anode
Example, spoon

Refining of copper

Pure copper is one of the sources of making electrical wire because of it property of electrical conductivity.
This conductivity can be reduced if the copper has impurities such as silver, gold and platinum. When these
impurities are removed by electrolysis, pure copper becomes an almost perfect conductor of electricity.

Using the process of electrolysis, copper can be obtained in a refined and pure form – up to 99.999%. 
Reduction (At cathode) Oxidation (At anode)

Ions formed: Cu , H
2+ +
Ions formed: SO , O
4
2- 2-

Cu ions get discharged

2+ 
Copper atoms lose electrons and enter the solution

Cu  (aq.) + 2e  → Cu (s)
2+ –
Cu (s) – 2e  → Cu
– 2+

Copper deposited at Cu  formed at anode. Impure copper dissolves, impurities collect at bottom as anode
2+

cathode mud